Republic XF-91 "Thunderceptor"
Model Airplane News Cover Art for March, 1952
by Jo Kotula
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The Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor was a mixed-propulsion interceptor using a jet engine for most flight, and a cluster of four small rocket engines for added thrust during climb and interception. The design was largely obsolete by the time it was completed due to the rapidly increasing performance of contemporary jet engines. Onlyy two prototypes were built, one of which was the first US fighter to exceed Mach 1 in level flight.

     

Photos of the Republic XF-91 "Thunderceptor"
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The Thunderceptor had extremely short flight times on the order of 25 minutes, making them almost useless for protecting an area as large as the United States. Newer outperformed the XF-91 in speed, range, loiter time, and included the radar and fire-control systems needed for night and all-weather operation. The era of the dedicated day fighter-type interceptor were over. The first prototype, serial 46-680, is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

In addition to the cover of Model Airplane News, this airplane was also featured in the WINGS "Friend or Foe" trading card series of the early 1950s

Trading card representation of the Republic XF-91 "Thunderceptor"
Click Here to see all 200 cards in the series
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Click Here for more information about the Republic XF-91 "Thunderceptor".

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