After 79 years, Fagen Fighters SB2C-5 Navy Helldiver, known as "the Beast" roared back to life today at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. Fagen Fighters Restoration team led by Brandon Deuel was on hand for the engine-run and aircraft taxiing. Evan Fagen, the museum Chief Pilot was at the controls.
A Defender or Parasite? The Strange XF-85 Goblin Was a Bit of Both
To top off the Goblin’s disreputable looks, it lacked landing gear, and had to make do with a retractable steel skid for emergencies.
Here s What You Need to Remember: As for the Goblins, the parasite jets went on to enjoy a quiet retirement and can be seen at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska.
Its manufacturer called it the “Goblin” and by looks alone, the egg-shaped jet certainly deserved the name. The McDonnell XF-85 jet resembled little more than a pressurized cockpit on top of a bulbous J34 turbojet engine, with small stubby swept-back wings that could fold inwards. Rounding out its ghastly appearance were an unusual three tail stabilizers, three shark-like belly-mounted fins, and a giant extendable hook rising from the open snout of its jet intake.