The Hughes XF-11 (redesignated XR-11 in 1948) was a prototype military reconnaissance aircraft designed and flown by Howard Hughes and built by Hughes Aircraft Company for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).

Apr 5, 2023 · Designed to be a fast, long-range, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft for the United States Air Force, the XF-11 resembled the much smaller Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter.

Jul 9, 2024 · The XF-11's long, thin, high-aspect-ratio wing and powerful engines provide clues to its intended purpose.

Jul 26, 2023 · The Hughes XF-11 was a prototype reconnaissance aircraft intended to be operated by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF). It was partially designed by Howard Hughes, and his company built just two units. In 1943, the USAAF ordered 100, but the program was delayed until the end of the Second World War.

Dec 20, 2018 · The Hughes XF-11 was the last fixed-wing aircraft built by the Hughes Aircraft Company and the aircraft that nearly killed Howard Hughes. WWII was over by the time prototypes of the specialized aircraft flew.

Jun 3, 2012 · Two months before the fire, Hughes won a contract for two prototypes and 98 production models of what he called the D-5 and the military called the XF-11, the “XF” prefix indicating an experimental reconnaissance aircraft.

Aug 18, 2019 · Designed and built by Hughes Aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), the Hughes XF-11 was a prototype military reconnaissance aircraft.

The XF-11 was designed as a high-altitude photo reconnaissance aircraft capable of speeds in excess of 450 mph. Hughes selected the boon tail twin engine 3000 HP configuration with revolutionary contra-rotating propellers for extra airspeed and efficiency at high altitudes.

Jun 28, 2018 · Looking very much like an oversized Lockheed P-38, the twin-boom XF-11 was designed to fulfill a United States military requirement for a long-range photographic reconnaissance fighter.

May 1, 2023 · The Hughes XF-11 was a prototype for a two-seat, twin-engine reconnaissance airplane with a relatively small, pressurized, central crew compartment and twin tails on long, slender booms. The crew of two including a pilot and a …