Lockheed F-94 Starfire

The Lockheed F-94 Starfire was introduced in the early 1950s as an all-weather interceptor. Developed from the T-33 trainer, it incorporated radar and increased firepower. The aircraft served in early Cold War defense roles.

U.S. Air Force Lockheed YF-94A in flight. © U.S. Air Force

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Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: F94 1949–1954 $500,000 (1952)

Lockheed F-94 Starfire — all-weather interceptorThe F-94 first flew in 1949 and entered service in 1950. It featured a straight wing and tandem cockpit. Radar systems allowed operations in poor visibility conditions.Powered by an Allison turbojet producing approximately 5,400 pounds of thrust (24 kN), the Starfire reached speeds near 510 knots (944 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg).The F-94 participated in Korean War operations and U.S. air defense missions. It was soon replaced by more advanced interceptors. The aircraft reflects early efforts to integrate radar into jet fighters.

Live Fleet Activity (F94)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney J48-P-5
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
8,750 lbf · 39 kN
Avionics
AN/APG-40 radar
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
44 ft 6 in  ·  13.56 m
Tail height
14 ft 11 in  ·  4.55 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 7 in  ·  1.40 m
Wing span
44 ft 0 in  ·  13.40 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
24,200 lb  ·  11,000 kg
Max landing weight
18,300 lb  ·  8,300 kg
Max payload
1,750 lb  ·  800 kg
Fuel capacity
1,530 gal · 5,800 L · 4,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
560 kt  ·  644 mph  ·  1,037 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,108 nm  ·  1,280 mi  ·  2,050 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
51,400 ft  ·  15,700 m
Rate of climb
7,980 ft/min  ·  41 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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The Lockheed YF-94A All Weather Interceptor prototype.

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Operational Context

On April 16, 1949, the YF-94 prototype model took to the air for the first time. The F-94 Starfire was produced in several versions. In May 1950, the initial production version designated as F-94A entered into service. It was followed by the F-94B in January 1951.

The F-94C was a greatly improved version of the original Starfire. It can accommodate two crew members and has an external length of 13.56 meters, an external height of 3.1 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 1.4 meters. It has a tail height of 4.55 meters and a wheelbase of 5.3 meters. To enhance its performance, the version is fitted with a slimmer wing with a wingspan of 12.93 meters and a wing area of 21.63 square meters. The aircraft has an empty weight of 5,764 kg, a gross weight of 8,300 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 10,970 kg. The maximum payload is 800 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 1,526 US gal.

The F-94C is powered by a single more powerful Pratt and Whitney J48-P-5 engine, a license-built version of the Rolls-Royce Tay. It is a turbojet engine with water injection, a single-stage double-sided centrifugal compressor, nine interconnected can combustion chambers, a single-stage axial turbine, and a pressure spray oil system.

It produces a dry thrust of 6,350 lbf and an afterburning thrust of 8,750 lbf. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 560 knots. The standard range is 700 nautical miles while the ferry range is 1,108 nautical miles. It can fly up to 51,400 feet and has a rate of climb of 7,980 feet per minute. The F-94C could be armed with twenty-four or forty-eight 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR) and was fitted with AN/APG-40 radar antenna.