McDonnell F-101A Voodoo: From Supersonic Fighter to NASA Trainer

The McDonnell F-101A Voodoo was more than just a fighter jet—it was a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of aviation during the Cold War era. As part of the legendary Century Series, this supersonic marvel set records, shaped the future of fighter aircraft, and even prepared astronauts for their historic missions. Among the many Voodoos built, one stands out for its extraordinary journey: 53-2422.

Delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1955, 53-2422 lived a remarkable life, serving as a testbed for cutting-edge technology, training astronauts for NASA, and even fulfilling the unglamorous role of a radar target. Along the way, it left an indelible mark on aviation history, influencing both the aircraft of the future and the pilots and astronauts who flew them. Decades later, MotoArt rediscovered this historic aircraft deep in the Mojave, transforming its legacy into collectible PlaneTags that allow enthusiasts to own a piece of this incredible story.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of the McDonnell F-101A Voodoo, the revolutionary advancements it brought to aviation, and the extraordinary journey of 53-2422—a plane that truly earned its place among the legends of the skies.

The McDonnell F-101A Voodoo: A Revolutionary Fighter

Development and Design

The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was conceived during the early 1950s, a time when the U.S. military sought to maintain aerial superiority in an era of rapidly advancing jet technology. Originally envisioned as a long-range bomber escort for the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the Voodoo was designed to accompany B-47 Stratojets and B-52 Stratofortresses on deep-penetration missions into Soviet airspace. However, its mission evolved over time, reflecting the shifting demands of the Cold War.

McDonnell F-101A Voodoo flickr photo by Tom McKinnon shared with no copyright restrictions using Creative Commons Public Domain Mark (PDM)

Key design features of the F-101A included:

• Supersonic Performance: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 turbojet engines, the F-101A could reach speeds exceeding Mach 1.5, making it one of the fastest fighters of its era. It was among the first aircraft to push the boundaries of supersonic flight in level conditions.

• Sleek Aerodynamics: Its thin, swept-back wings and T-tail configuration provided the aircraft with exceptional stability at high speeds, though they presented challenges during slower maneuvers.

• Heavy Payload Capacity: The Voodoo could carry a formidable load of up to four nuclear-tipped AIR-2 Genie rockets or AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles, reflecting its dual role as both a fighter and a deterrent.

While initially plagued by teething issues during its development, including structural weaknesses and engine reliability concerns, these problems were addressed in subsequent iterations, cementing its reputation as a reliable and versatile platform.

Replacing Its Predecessors

Before the arrival of the F-101A, earlier jet fighters like the F-86 Sabre and F-89 Scorpion served as the mainstays of American air defense. While groundbreaking for their time, these jets were limited in range, speed, and payload capacity, making them increasingly obsolete in the face of advancing Soviet capabilities.

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo flickr photo by Eric Friedebach shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

The F-101A represented a quantum leap in performance:

• Speed Advantage: With its supersonic capability, the Voodoo could fly circles around older subsonic aircraft.

• Extended Range: Designed with increased fuel capacity, it could operate far deeper into enemy territory than its predecessors.

• Multi-role Flexibility: Unlike earlier fighters that focused narrowly on air combat, the Voodoo was engineered to fulfill a range of roles, including air interception, reconnaissance, and tactical strike missions.

The introduction of the F-101A also signaled the U.S. military’s pivot toward developing multi-mission aircraft that could operate in both defensive and offensive roles, ensuring a more dynamic response to potential threats.

F-101A Voodoo Aviation Milestones

The F-101A Voodoo played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of military aviation:

• Breaking Speed Records: In December 1957, an F-101A flown by Major Adrian E. Drew shattered speed records by exceeding 1,207 mph in level flight. This achievement underscored the Voodoo’s cutting-edge engineering and cemented its place in aviation history.

• Century Series Icon: The Voodoo was one of the first aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s legendary “Century Series,” a lineup of supersonic jet fighters that included the F-100 Super Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-104 Starfighter. These aircraft set the standard for speed, altitude, and versatility during the Cold War.

• Shaping Future Aircraft: Lessons learned from the F-101A’s design and performance influenced the development of later fighters and reconnaissance planes. Its innovations in supersonic flight, engine performance, and weapons integration paved the way for more advanced platforms in subsequent decades.

Despite its relatively short frontline career, the Voodoo’s legacy is one of pushing the boundaries of what a fighter aircraft could achieve. It set the stage for further advancements in speed, range, and multi-mission versatility that continue to define modern combat aircraft.

McDonnell F-101A Voodoo At A Glance

F-101A Voodoo Specifications: 

• Manufacturer: McDonnell

• Model: NF-101A

• S/N: 53-2422

• Crew: 1

• Wing Span: 39 ft 8 in 

• Length: 67 ft 5 in

• Height: 18 ft 0 in

• Armament: 4x 20mm M39 Autocannons, 1x Mark 7, Mark 28, or Mark 43 Nuclear Bomb

F-101A Voodoo Performance:

• Range: 1,163 mi

• Cruise Speed: 550 mph

• Ceiling: 55,800 ft

• Empty Weight: 24,970 lb

• Max Takeoff Weight: 49,998 lb

• Rate Of Climb: 44,100 ft/min

• Engine: 2x Pratt & Whitney J57-P or 2x General Electric J79 turbojet

53-2422: A Unique Journey

Tail number 53-2422 wasn’t just another McDonnell F-101A Voodoo. It was an aircraft that lived multiple lives, contributing to aviation history in ways few others can claim. From its early days as a test platform to its role in training NASA astronauts, 53-2422 became a symbol of adaptability and innovation.

McDonnell F-101A 53-2422 McClellan AFB 30Apr66 [PBL via RJF] flickr photo by San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives shared with no copyright restriction (Flickr Commons)

Delivery and Early Service

Delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1955, 53-2422 was part of the first batch of F-101A Voodoos. At the time, the aircraft represented cutting-edge technology and was poised to break barriers in speed, power, and multi-role capability. While many Voodoos were deployed to combat units, 53-2422 was selected for a different mission—it became a testbed for evaluating experimental configurations and new technologies.

As a test aircraft, 53-2422 underwent various modifications to enhance its performance and reliability. Engineers and pilots pushed the boundaries of what the Voodoo could achieve, using 53-2422 to refine systems that would later define subsequent Voodoo models and other Century Series aircraft. See service record here.

Transformations Over Time

53-2422’s remarkable adaptability earned it a series of re-designations and new roles:

• JF-101A Conversion: Initially modified into a JF-101A, 53-2422 was equipped with experimental systems to test aerodynamic configurations, engines, and avionics. This version played a critical role in advancing the Voodoo’s design.

• NF-101A Designation: Later re-designated as an NF-101A, it continued to support developmental testing, proving its value as a versatile platform for innovation.

Through each transformation, 53-2422 not only helped advance military aviation but also set the stage for its next, even more, illustrious role.

F-101: NASA and the Apollo Era

By the 1960s, 53-2422’s story took an exciting turn when it was transferred to NASA. The aircraft became a vital tool for training astronauts during the early days of the U.S. space program. Its high-speed performance and complex flight dynamics made it an ideal trainer for preparing astronauts for supersonic flight and advanced aviation maneuvers.

One of the notable figures to train aboard 53-2422 was Major General Michael Collins, the Command Module Pilot of Apollo 11. Collins, who orbited the Moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history on the lunar surface, credited his aviation training as critical to his success in space exploration. For Collins and many other astronauts, 53-2422 was more than just an aircraft—it was a stepping stone to the stars.

A Final Chapter in Service

Photo by Simon Wallwork, used with permission

In 1967, during a routine operation, 53-2422 sustained damage from a tire blowout upon landing. Although the aircraft was no longer airworthy, its story didn’t end there. The Voodoo was repurposed as a radar target, continuing to serve the U.S. military in its final operational role. Even in this phase, 53-2422 contributed to the safety and readiness of future pilots by playing an integral part in training exercises.

MotoArt Discovers A F-101: Rediscovery and Transformation

Fast forward to 2024, when the MotoArt team found out about an F-101, the remains of 53-2422, deep in the Mojave desert in Southern California. "Finding the F-101 was like uncovering a hidden gem of aviation history. Knowing this aircraft served as a testbed for groundbreaking technology, trained NASA astronauts like Mike Collins, and even played a role as a radar target, it’s incredible to think about how much it contributed to shaping the future of aviation and space exploration,” says MotoArt owner Dave Hall.  “This Voodoo wasn’t just a plane; it was a bridge between innovation and the people who would carry that innovation into the skies and beyond. Preserving its legacy through PlaneTags allows us to share its extraordinary story with aviation enthusiasts around the world."

Recognizing its historical significance, the team salvaged portions of the aircraft with the goal of preserving its legacy. After decades of service and dormancy, 53-2422 was reimagined as PlaneTags, giving aviation enthusiasts a tangible connection to its remarkable history. Each PlaneTag crafted from 53-2422 represents more than just a piece of metal; it’s a piece of history. It tells the story of an aircraft that broke barriers, trained astronauts, and served as a testament to innovation. Now, this legendary Voodoo lives on in a new form, allowing collectors and history buffs to keep its legacy alive.

McDonnell F-101A Voodoo PlaneTags

McDonnell F-101A Voodoo PlaneTags will be released on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 12pm Pacific at planetags.com. Log onto our website promptly at noon and be the first to choose your Voodoo before they disappear. 

NASA PlaneTags

The McDonnell F-101A Voodoo, and specifically 53-2422, represents more than just an aircraft; it symbolizes the ingenuity, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit of aviation history. From its role as a supersonic fighter breaking barriers to its transformation into a testbed for innovation, a NASA trainer for future astronauts, and a radar target ensuring pilot readiness, 53-2422 lived many lives that shaped the trajectory of aerospace technology and exploration.

Now, thanks to MotoArt’s efforts, the legacy of 53-2422 lives on in the form of collectible PlaneTags. These PlaneTags are not just pieces of aluminum—they are pieces of history, connecting enthusiasts and collectors to an extraordinary journey that spanned decades and touched the lives of pilots, astronauts, and engineers. Owning a PlaneTag from 53-2422 is a way to honor the aircraft's unparalleled contributions and keep its story alive for generations to come.

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