F-107A

The F-107A was originally designed as a tactical fighter-bomber version of the F-100, with a recessed weapon bay under the fuselage.  However, extensive design changes resulted in its re-designation from F-100B to F-107A before the first prototype flew.  Special features included an all-moving vertical fin; a control system which permitted the plane to roll at supersonic speeds; and a system (Variable Area Inlet Duct) which automatically controlled the amount of air fed to the jet engine.

On Sept. 10, 1956, the No. 1 F-107A made its initial flight, attaining Mach 1.03 .  The aircraft first achieved Mach 2 in tests on Nov. 3, 1956.  Three F-107As were built as prototypes and were test flown extensively, but the aircraft did not go into production, the Republic F-105 having been selected as the standard fighter-bomber for the Tactical Air Command.  In late 1957, Nos. 1 and 3 were leased to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for high-speed flight research.

The F-107A shown here is aircraft No. 2, and its first flight was on Nov. 28, 1956.  It was used for weapons testing with both conventional and atomic bombs.  (NMUSAF)

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