This aircraft stemmed from a United States Army Air Forces specification for a jet-powered night fighter. This company submitted proposals and contracts for two prototypes were issued in December 1946. Production was authorized in 1949, and it entered USAF service in 1950. The initial production model had state of the art radar and an armament of six 20 mm cannon. Underwing racks could carry 16 five-inch aerial rockets or up to 3,200 lb (1,455 kg) of bombs. This aircraft had considerable problems with engines and other systems. It’s unique profile is highly recognizable, it has a crew of two, and while not a true supersonic aircraft, it was a true all weather interceptor. The major production model first flew in late 1951 and entered service in 1954. It replaced the cannon with improved radar and a fire control computer and an unusual armamment system. It was capable of carrying nuclear tipped rockets on launching rails that were mounted on the underwing pylons. It disappeared from service in 1968. In all, 1,050 of this aircraft were built.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 01/26/07 at 1200 hrs E.S.T.