Rare experimental fighter restored

Air Classics, Oct 2002 by Simone, William J

North American's oft-forgotten F-- 107A remains perhaps the most enigmatic of the famous "Century Series" fighters. The enigma stems from the fact that it was an outstanding and extraordinarily effective warplane and was, perhaps, the best airplane in the world for its particular job at the time of its late 1956 first flight. Mysteriously, the plane never went into production, even in light of its superior capabilities. The F-107A scored several firsts. Among them were a truly unique flight control system, an advanced inlet system, and the incorporation of a semi-submerged store. It was also the last of a long line of North American Aviation fighters.

Three F-107A Mach 2 fighter-- bombers were built by NAA. The first, s/n 55-5118, was recently restored by the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. This aircraft was utilized for stability and control and performance testing along with all the ground testing required for flight clearance. The aircraft was equipped with a two-position VAID. The VAID - Variable Inlet Duct -- was developed to provide maximum net propulsion effort as well as stable duct operation over the supersonic flight regime of the aircraft's envelope.

At retirement, the first F-107A had made a total of 93 flights for an accumulated total flight (NAA, USAF, and NACA) of approximately 61 hours and 35 minutes.

In March 2001, the number one F-- 107A, on display at the museum since 1974, entered the excellent restoration facility for a full static restoration by a very professional and dedicated crew. The aircraft was thoroughly cleaned and corrosion control applied to the airframe. Much of the skin rash, landing gear, and wheel wells were repaired, and the VAID probes and pitot booms replaced. A J75 afterburning section was fitted to the once empty engine bay. The Michelin Tire Company donated a set of new tires. The aircraft received a fresh coat of paint and was fully detailed with the many hundreds of stencil markings it had carried during the flight test program. The restoration was paid for by William J. Simone.

On 5 April, after a nearly one-year restoration, the aircraft was rolled out. Al White, who made the first flight of the number three aircraft and did weapon separation tests on the number two aircraft, attended the event. Unfortunately, J.O. Roberts, who made the first flight of the number two aircraft and flew the F-107A more than anyone else, and Robert Baker, the first pilot to fly the aircraft, were unable to attend.

On 27-28 April, the F-107A was displayed at the Davis-Monthan AFB airshow and drew a large crowd. Al White and William Simone were present to answer questions. Not coming as a surprise, most people did not know what the aircraft was and were very impressed when they learned that it was designed nearly 50 years ago.

Much work still needs to be done. The cockpit, once 95 percent complete, has been stripped of many of its flight test instruments by the Air Force Museum because of radium concerns. Many of the instrument light "eye brows" are now missing and must be replaced. During the summer, the cockpit temperature exceeds 130 degrees. This has caused damage to the landing gear handle, ejection seat headrest, armrests, and other plastic components. They will have to be replaced. Additional skin rash still needs to be repaired, especially on the right wing slats. Additional repairs will be done the next time the aircraft is repainted.

One major item missing from the cockpit is the unique control stick grip. It will cost at least $1000 to manufacture a replacement non-functional stick grip. If anyone knows where the original is, please contact Bill Simone at 661-948-8580 or e-- mail at william.simone@lmco.com. The address is 1340 East Ave. J-12, Lancaster, California 93535. No questions will be asked.

The Pima Air and Space Museum is a private, non-profit educational organization. It is funded solely by gate receipts, gift shop sales, membership, and donations. The museum receives no funds from any governmental agency.

The museum master plan calls for a hangar to be constructed to house the Century Series fighters. Anyone interested in helping this become a reality is encouraged to contact Sandi Moomey, Deputy Director of Development and Community Relations at the museum. She may be reached at 520-618-4804. You must specify that your contribution go towards this effort or the contribution will go into a general fund and will be used as the museum sees fit. Reported by William J. Simone.