06/08/2026
Online Aviation Library
The Curtiss-Wright XF-87 Blackhawk was a large prototype jet fighter built in the late 1940s. It was the very last airplane project made by the famous Curtiss-Wright company
Because the US Air Force canceled the program in October 1948, original engineering bulletins, handling studies, and aerodynamic reports are not public consumer files. Instead, these historical documents are preserved in national military archives, such as the Wright Field Technical Documents Library managed by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The known technical data and design history for the XF-87 include the following specifications:
Performance Data SheetThe XF-87 was one of the heaviest fighter designs of its era.
Maximum Speed: 600 mph (970 km/h) at sea level.
Range: 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,000 m).
Rate of Climb: 13 minutes and 48 seconds to reach 35,000 feet.
Empty Weight: 25,930 lbs (11,762 kg).
Gross Weight: 49,900 lbs (22,634 kg).
Aerodynamic and Handling Studies
The aircraft was built as a large, all-metal, mid-wing fighter with straight wings.
Size: It had a length of 62 feet 10 inches and a wingspan of 60 feet.
Buffeting: Flight tests showed the straight-wing design suffered from severe air buffeting problems.
Handling: Test pilots reported that the heavy fighter handled more like a medium bomber than a nimble jet interceptor.
Engine Technical Notes
The prototype used a unique setup to get enough power during the early days of jet technology.
Engines: Powered by four Westinghouse XJ34-WE-7 turbojet engines.
Layout: The engines were paired together inside two large pods under the wings.
Thrust: Each engine gave 3,000 pounds of thrust.
Planned Upgrade: A second prototype called the XF-87A was planned to use two more powerful General Electric J47 engines, but it was never finished.