North American FJ-5 Fighter: Proposal for a Navalized F-107A
By Gerry Nilles
American Aerospace Archive 2
Author: Jared A. Zichek
Binding: Softbound
Publisher: American Aerospace Archive, ©2008
Pages: 36
This is the second in a series of publications dedicated to proposals from various aircraft companies that come under the heading of “What If”. North American, having produced the FJ-1 through FJ-4 series (the navalized version of the F-86), once again proposed one of their Air force offerings to the Navy in the form of a revised version of the F-107A. To say the FJ-5 concept is unique is an understatement. This publication for all intent and purposes is an overview of that North American proposal.
Included in the 39 pages are written summaries of technical information as well as a number of various drawings that cover everything from potential aircraft carrier deck parking layouts to some rather nice general arrangement and details drawing of the FJ-5 aircraft itself. Of note is the fact that the FJ-5 has a slightly different fuselage shape and vertical stabilizer than the F-107A. There are definitely enough drawings, including cross sections, for model building usage, should one wish to. However considering this was on a preliminary proposal, the only photos included are those of a wind tunnel model. Unfortunately, no illustrations or concept drawings are included. However, for those interested in “What If “aircraft these omissions leave all the more room for speculation on what a prototype or even a production aircraft might look like.
This is a very interesting little book of and unusual subject and definitely different. My thanks to American Aerospace Archive for the review copy.