In 1971 and 1972, I worked as a Polysonic Wind Tunnel (PSWT) test conductor for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. In the small front lobby outside the tunnel control room was a display model of the McDonnell 156. Other than these pictures, which I took, I can find no other info. It appears to me as a proposed entry into the 1960’s Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) requirements ultimately resulting in the F-111. Anyone have any further info?
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
McDonnell Aircraft Corp. Article
An interesting article on MAC history and progress “Twenty Years Between Phantoms”. Author and publication unknown.
Download the Twenty Years Between Phantoms article in a PDF here
McDonnell Aircraft Corp Achievement Brochures
During the 1950’s MAC published yearly achievement brochures similar to the stockholders brochures issued today. Here are two of them for 1953 and 1956.
Friday, August 16, 2013
McDonnell Aircraft Memorabilia
Early 1960’s F-4 Phantom II ashtray.
Mid 1990’s aircraft coasters.
F-4 Phantom II 25th 1983 anniversary mug
Friday, August 9, 2013
More QF-86 Photos
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
QF-86E Army Target Drones
QF-86E Army Sabres by Ron Downey
In the summer of 1981, I took a tour of the F-86 conversions at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico which turned them into QF-86 unmanned target drones. I was a guest of Flight Systems, Inc of Mojave Ca, the managers of the program.
I first published a short article in “Crazed Plastic” (See below) and then a revised and larger article in “Radom Thoughts” (RT) in 1982. RT is the IPMS Canada’s publication. Here is that article.
The very distinctive Orange color used on these birds is called Omaha Orange from the Dupont Centari No. 31AH collection. A close match for Omaha Orange is FS 12473. The sample in this article was painted with the actual Dupont color.
"Thumper" was destroyed on a NOLO mission in August 1981. It had survived at least 9 missile shots!
For further info on the Qf-86 Target drones, get Duncan Curtis's wonderful book "North American QF-86E/F/H/Sabre". It is Number 58 of Steve Ginter's "Naval Fighter" series. Click here to purchase book
Update: Click here to see the Duncan Curtis article on Flight System Sabres
Download the QF-86 Army Sabres article in a PDF here
Additional QF-86 Aircraft and Ramp Photos
Monday, August 5, 2013
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
The McDonnell Douglas early concept for the JSF and the team behind the bid.
The McDonnell Douglas, Northrop Grumman and British Aerospace JSF for the US Air Force takes off in this artist’s concept. The teams JSF features a unique near tailess design for maximum stealth and an all-axis thrust vectoring nozzle for maximum maneuverability. Photo D4C-122347-36 dated 10/96.
Integrated Flight/Fire Control (IFFC)
F-4 Phantom II Pamphlet
Early 1961 F-4 pamphlet issued during the Navy’s 50th anniversary showing armament and three world records.