F-89 Scorpion Model

Scale: 1/42
Wingspan: 16.9"
Fuselage Length: 15.4"

Hand-made and hand-painted, the scale model of the F-89 Scorpion is of museum quality. Carefully carved from mahogany by skilled craftsmen, every piece is sanded and primed many times until perfect. A final coat of clear lacquer seals in the intricate details which have been meticulously painted on by talented artists. Each model comes with a beautiful mahogany-based chrome pedestal and undergoes several stages of quality control before being put in its box. Rest assured that when our customers receive their orders, they are not just getting a fine piece of woodwork, but a spectacular work of art. The F-89 Scorpion is great for both personal collections and gifts.

The F-89 was a result of a 1945 US Army Air Forces specification for a jet-powered night fighter to replace the P-61 Black Widow. It was the first multi-seat, all-weather jet interceptor and the first aircraft designed to carry an all-rocket armament. The F-89's name came from its resemblance to a scorpion ready to strike. The name stuck and was later officially recognized by the Air Force. The F-89 Scorpion made its maiden flight on August 16, 1948.

The first production F-89A was accepted by the USAF on September 28, 1950. Only eight aircraft were completed before the type was upgraded to the F-89B, with new avionics. Unfortunately, these had considerable problems with engines and other systems, and soon gave way to the F-89C. The first major production model was the F-89D, which first flew on October 23, 1951 and entered service in 1954. On July 19, 1957, a Genie test rocket was fired from an F-89J, the first time in history that an air-to-air rocket with a nuclear warhead was launched and detonated. There were no new-build F-89Js, but 350 F-89Ds were modified to this standard. These served with the ADC through 1959 and with the Air National Guard through 1969.

A total of 1,050 aircraft were produced by Northrop. Currently there are 19 F-89s on display in the United States.