XF-85 GOBLIN: THE STRANGE HISTORY OF THE WORLD’S SMALLEST FIGHTER JET
Aircraft come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Both the Air Force Armament Museum and the Hill Aerospace Museum are testaments to this, among others. But none quite exemplify the extremity of aircraft like the XF-85 Goblin. 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. Read next:Classified USAF Fighter Program Bolsters Next Generation Air Dominance
What Was the XF-85 Goblin Built For?
The purpose of the XF-85 Goblin was to defend nuclear-capable Convair B-36 "Peacemaker" bombers. As the first aircraft with the ability to travel with a nuclear weapon without needing to have special modifications, the B-36 was a tremendous feat and needed protection. On top of carrying nuclear weapons, the Peacemaker bomber was able to travel intercontinentally without having to refuel. But again, these aircraft were in need of necessary protection, and the Goblin fighter was chosen for the task. The idea, believe it or not, was to put an XF-85 Goblin inside one of the Peacemaker bombers. If an aerial defense would become necessary, the Goblin plane would be launched from the bomber and sent out to defend against enemy aircraft.
A 15-Foot Parasite vs. The World
A historical snapshot of the XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter shows that the aircraft earned its name from supernatural creatures, and its testing proved it would’ve needed supernatural abilities to be a success. The logistics of flying are complicated on the best of days. When it comes to flying for military purposes, you can throw in the same complications and amplify them at even more ridiculous levels. This is the reality of why the XF-85 Goblin came to be. When the Army Air Corps created a bomber that could go farther without needing fuel, it also had a problem in that the planes that it needed in order to defend the aircraft couldn’t keep up. Did they create fighter jets capable of going farther without refueling? No, and to be fair, there are some complex reasons for that. However, one of the ideas in the works was to put the “parasite” aircraft (the Goblin) inside of the bombers and then launch them midair to defend. There must’ve been some sort of confidence in the idea because the 15-foot aircraft didn’t come with any landing gear. The idea was to have the pilot return to the B-36 it left from and reattach itself in the air.
Failure to Launch... or Rather, Reattach
The idea of having a parasite aircraft was far from new. Many nations, including the United States, had previously tried to utilize this technique to no avail. Launching wasn’t necessarily the issue. Reattaching the aircraft? Well, that’s another story. Because the B-36 wasn’t finished at the time, the XF-85 Goblin tested with a very modified version of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. On August 23, 1948, above the airspace currently belonging to the Edwards Air Force Base in California, the first test run was conducted. Three reattachment attempts and a slight crash later, the aircraft was crash-landed, deeming the test a failure. Two months later, success was found, with another successful reattachment a week later; however, this one also came after several unsuccessful attempts. Additional tests were conducted, though they didn’t work out, and soon, the aircraft would find itself losing to better technology.
The XF-85 Goblin: A Failure in the Skies, but a Win in Our Hearts
It’s a shame that the XF-85 Goblin didn’t work out. Despite being a bit slower when it flew, by many accounts, the aircraft handled great in the skies. The plane remains a pretty interesting piece of aviation and U.S. military history and showcases that even when things don’t necessarily work out, the American Armed Forces aren’t afraid to innovate to get the job done. If you were to come across an XF-85 Goblin for sale and have the money, interest, and ability, this piece of history is as unique as it comes. The year 1949 would bring an end to the XF-85 Goblin, but for its brief existence, it ruled the skies as one of the most unique aircraft to ever soar. Suggested read:The Huey Helicopter & Its Crucial Role in the Vietnam War
Image: National Museum of the United States Air Force
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