~~~~OPERATIONAL AT HIGHEST SETTINGS~~~~

Group 1 = Landing gear (VTOL down)
Group 2 = Weapons-bay Doors (VTOL down)
Group 3-4 = GAR-9 AA missiles

The North American XF-108 Rapier was a proposed long-range, high-speed interceptor aircraft designed by North American Aviation intended to defend the United States from supersonic Soviet strategic bombers. However, the program had progressed only as far as the construction of a single wooden mockup when it was cancelled in 1959, due to a shortage of funds and the Soviet's adoption of ballistic missiles as their primary means of nuclear attack.

In addition to the F-108's proposed interceptor role, North American proposed it as an escort fighter for its own B-70 Valkyrie supersonic bomber prototype. Unsurprisingly, the B-70 program was also short-lived as the concept of supersonic penetration bombers became quickly obsolete due to improved anti-air missiles and development of ICBMs.

As a high-speed, high altitude interceptor, the Rapier would have be outfitted with revolutionary radar technology, guided GAR-9 anti-air missiles, and four 20mm cannons. If completed, the F-108 Rapier would have been the heaviest interceptor of its era.

I've been obsessed with the F-108 ever since I built an XB-70 Valkyrie, so I built one! I tried to stay as true to the design as possible but I took some creative liberties with the weapons bay and landing gear. That being said, she is a fantastic flyer with great agility and speed, however the range is somewhat limited so feel free to add modded furl tanks if you so desire.

For some reason (mostly due to the way I clipped parts together) she's is sluggish when taking off the runway. I've found that if you crack the weapons bay doors slightly open before take off, the Rapier would achieve speed much quicker.


Special shout-out to @Authros for his awesome engine cowling design and a special thank you to @WalrusAircraft for providing modified nose cone pieces!!

Enjoy!