The Lockheed YF-12 is an interceptor aircraft built by Lockheed Corporation during the late 1950s to early 1960s. The aircraft was developed to replace the F-106 Delta Dart.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- Photo Gallery
- Description
- Manufacturer:
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
- Country:
- United States
- Manufactured:
- 1963 to: 1968
- ICAO:
- YF12
- Price:
- US$18 million (1963)
- Performance
- Weights
- Dimensions
- Avionics:
- Hughes AN/ASG-18
- Engine:
- 2x Pratt & Whitney J58 (JTD11D-20A)
Jet - Power:
- 31,500 pound-force
- Max Cruise Speed:
- 1977 knots
3,661 Km/h - Approach Speed (Vref):
- Travel range:
- 2,600 Nautical Miles
4,815 Kilometers - Fuel Economy:
- Service Ceiling:
- 90,000 feet
- Rate of Climb:
- 11820 feet / minute
60.05metre / second - Take Off Distance:
- Landing Distance:
- Max Take Off Weight:
- 63,504 Kg
140,001 lbs - Max Landing Weight:
- Max Payload:
- 1,100 Kg
2,425 lbs - Fuel Tank Capacity:
- Baggage Volume:
click / tap to open full screen gallery
Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
credit: U.S. Air Force
Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
credit: U.S. Air Force
Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
credit: U.S. Air Force
Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
credit: U.S. Air Force
Lockheed YF-12A (back view)
credit: U.S. Air Force
Lockheed YF-12A (back view)
credit: U.S. Air Force
1 / 10
Blog Mentions
Blog posts that mention the Lockheed YF-12:
- The 18 Fastest Fighter Jets in The World
- SR-71 Blackbird – The Story of the Fastest Jet in the World
During the late 1950s, a requirement from the United States Air Force for an interceptor that would replace the then F-106 Delta Dart led the way to the development of the YF-12.
The A-12 reconnaissance aircraft was under development during the time, and the head of Skunk Works Clarence Leonard Johnson offered to develop a version of the A-12 designated as AF-12. In the mid-1960s, the United States Air Force placed an order for three AF-12s. Subsequently, the aircraft was designated as YF-12A interceptors.
The major modification included the redesign in the A-12’s nose in order to make room for the large Hughes AN/ASG-18 fire control radar with two IRST system, and the incorporation of the second co*ckpit to manage the fire control radar.
The changes made the YF-12A’s aerodynamics sufficient to need ventral fins to be attached below the fuselage as well as engine nacelles for better stability. The bays that formerly used to lodge reconnaissance equipment were changed to house Hughes AIM-47 Falcon missiles and for fire control equipment.
On August 7, 1963, the first YF-12A conducted its maiden flight. On February 24, 1964, the aircraft was announced by President Lyndon B. Johnson. On September 30, 1964, it was first unveiled to the public. The YF-12A was the pre-production variant with a total of three aircraft built.
The F-12B was the production variant with several upgrades including an extended combat radius to 1,350 nautical miles and an enhanced fire control system with an extended bomber detection range of 125 miles. However, this variant was aborted and did not enter production. The YF-12C was a fictitious designation for an SR-71 given to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The YF-12A has a length of 30.97 meters, a height of 5.64 meters, and a wheelbase of 12.4 meters. The wingspan is 16.95 meters and the wing area is 167 square meters. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney J58 (JTD11D-20A) afterburning turbojet rated at 32,000 lbf each.
All Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Aircraft
- Lockheed C-141 Starlifter |
- Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy |
- Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star |
- Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call |
- Lockheed F-104 Starfighter |
- Lockheed F-94 Starfire |
- Lockheed JetStar C-140 |
- Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 200 |
- Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 500 |
- Lockheed L-1011 Tristar 1 |
- Lockheed L-1011 Tristar 100 |
- Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation |
- Lockheed L-188 Electra |
- Lockheed L-749 Constellation |
- Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules |
- Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy |
- Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk |
- Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon |
- Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor |
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II |
- Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion |
- Lockheed Martin T50 Golden Eagle |
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning |
- Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star |
- Lockheed R6V Constitution |
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird |
- Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star |
- Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady |
- Lockheed YF-12 |
