McDonnell XF-85 Goblin
XF-85 Goblin
Description
Role	Parasite fighter
Crew	1
Dimensions
Length	14 ft 10 in	4.5 m
Wingspan	21 ft 1 in	6.4 m
Height	8 ft 3 in	2.5 m
Wing area	90 ft²	8.3 m²
Weights
Empty	3,740 lbs	1,696 kg
Loaded	4,550 lbs	2,063 kg
Powerplant
Engines	Westinghouse XJ-34
Power	3,000 lbs
Performance
Maximum speed	664 mph	1,069 km/h
Combat range
Ferry range
Service ceiling	48,000 ft
Rate of climb	12,500 ft/min
Armament
Guns	4 .50 caliber machine guns

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 bomber as a defensive parasite fighter. Its first flight was on 23 August, 1948.

Two prototypes were built, and both still survive; one in the USAF Air Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the other at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, Ohio.

Four factors combined to kill the XF-85 program.

1. Docking with the bomber 'host' proved much more difficult than thought; even experienced test pilots had trouble.
2. The XF-85 was no match for the conventional enemy fighters it would have to engage to defend the bombers - it was slower and much more lightly armed.
3. The range of jet escort fighters improved so that they could accompany the bombers further.
4. Tight budgets meant that less important programs were canned.