Convair aircraft have played a major role in the history of US military aviation. The American aircraft manufacturer produced some of the most iconic military aircraft, from experimental aircraft to interceptors and bombers. This article explores the most iconic of Convair's lineup.
1 Convair XF-92A The first US Delta Wing aircraft Crew: 1 Length: 42 ft 6 in (12.95 m) Wingspan: 31 ft 4 in (9.55 m) Height: 17 ft 9 in (5.
41 m) Maximum speed: 718 mph (1,156 km/h, 624 kn) Service ceiling: 50,750 ft (15,470 m) The Convair XF-92 was a first-generation jet prototype designed and developed by Convair in the mid-1940s. The type performed its maiden flight in September 1948. Featuring a delta wing, the XF-92 was conceived as an interceptor aircraft for critical defense missions.
It was later decided that the only prototype built would be used purely for experiments. The aircraft was powered by a single Allison J33-A-29 afterburning turbojet engine, generating 4,500 lbf (20 kN) thrust dry and 7,500 lbf (33 kN) with afterburner. While no production aircraft were built, the type led Convair to use delta-wing design on numerous future aircraft.
Besides the pogo stick and the Pogo comic strip, there was also the Pogo V/STOL fighter plane. It predated the Harrier by over a decade. 2 Convair B-58 Hustler The first operational bomber capable of Mach 2 flight Crew: Three Length: 96 ft 10 in (29.
51 m) Wingspan: 56 ft 9 in (17.30 m) Height: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m) Max takeoff weight: 176,890 lb (80,.