The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin is an American prototype fighter aircraft conceived during World War II by McDonnell Aircraft. It was intended to deploy from the bomb bay of the Convair B-36 bomber as a parasite fighter. The XF-85's intended role was to defend bombers from hostile interceptor aircraft, a need demonstrated during World War II.

DAYTON, Ohio -- McDonnell XF-85 Goblin at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo) The McDonnell Aircraft Corp. developed the XF-85 Goblin "parasite" fighter to protect B-36 bombers flying far beyond the range of conventional escort fighters.

Oldsmobile's solution was a light, small V-8 fitted with a turbocharger to give it the performance of a heavier, larger-displacement engine. The platform for this powerplant was Oldsmobile's unibodied F-85, introduced for 1961 as one of GM's upscale "senior" compacts (though billed as "intermediate" in size, on a 112-inch wheelbase).

Dec 21, 2024 · The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a prototype “parasite” fighter jet, is shown attached to the belly of a B-29 bomber. This compact aircraft was designed to defend bombers on intercontinental flights. Image: U.S. Air Force. Yet, the infamously problem-plagued Demon may have been a better design than another McDonnell aircraft of the early Cold ...

Sep 16, 2024 · Looking more like a flying egg than a jet fighter, the XF-85 was an unusual aircraft concept with an unconventional method of protecting U.S. heavy bombers at the outset of the Cold War.

Jan 14, 2016 · The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin was a fighter aircraft, conceived during World War II and intended to be carried in the bomb bay of the giant Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber as a defensive “parasite fighter”. Because of its small and rotund appearance, it …

Dec 3, 2021 · Its manufacturer called it the “Goblin”—and by looks alone, the egg-shaped jet certainly deserved the name. The McDonnell XF-85 jet resembled little more than a pressurized cockpit on top of...

Besides being one of the most unique aircraft ever built, its purpose was also one-of-a-kind. Despite giving James Bond vibes, the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin was a very real design for a necessary purpose. So, what became of this odd proposition? Explore the unique history of the smallest fighter jet ever made.

Aug 11, 2024 · McDonnell engineers managed to shoehorn 112 gallons of jet fuel into this 14-foot-long, 8-foot-high, and 21-foot-wide (wings extended) package. This gave the Goblin a combat endurance of 30 minutes, equivalent to today’s required VFR fuel reserve.

Oct 27, 2022 · That was the plan for the McDonnell XF-85 “Goblin,” truly a testament to the fact that given enough money and time, the Air Force will try out just about any idea. The Goblin measured just 15 feet...