North American F-107A
The F-107 was designed for an Air Force competition to select a new all-weather fighter-bomber. The design originated as a redesigned F-100, but it quickly became apparent that the Air Force’s request for an internal bomb bay would require an all-new design. North American’s design incorporated a unique overhead jet intake to allow for carrying weapons partially submerged in the aircraft’s belly. The first flight of the F-107 was on September 10, 1956. The F-107’s competitor for the Air Force contract was the Republic F-105. While both aircraft performed very well the decision eventually came down on the side of the F-105 primarily because it had a full internal bomb bay while the F-107 did not. After Air Force testing ended two of the F-107 prototypes were turned over to National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for experimental testing of the control system for the X-15 and high speed research flights.

Wingspan36 ft 7 in.
Length60 ft 10 in.
Height19 ft 6 in.
Weight37,153 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed1,295 MPH
Service Ceiling53,200 ft
Range2,428 miles
EngineOne Pratt & Whitney YJ75-P-11 turbojet with 23,500 pounds of thrust
Crew1
ManufacturerNorth American
MarkingsNorth American Aviation, Edwards AFB, California, 1956
DesignationF-107A
Serial Number55-5118

Service History
Manufactured by North American Aviation, Inglewood, California, and delivered to the U.S. Air Force on October 3, 1956. It is the first F-107 built.
September 1956: First flight conducted by North American Aviation test pilot Robert Baker at Edwards AFB, California.
October 1956: Beginning of Air Force testing, Edwards AFB, California.
November 1957: Transferred to NACA, Edwards AFB, California.
June 1958: : Returned to North American and placed in storage.
1960s: Placed in storage at Norton AFB, California.
June 1974: Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Museum of the United States Air Force.