The Lockheed F12F Argentavis is an Interceptor aircraft that served with the United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) from 1946 until 1972. It was the second twin-engine fighter to be deployed by the USN. While the Argentavis was delivered too late to see combat in World War II, it saw action as a night fighter and attack aircraft during the Korean War.

Role:

Interceptor

National origin:

United States

Manufacturer:

Lockheed

First flight:

2 August 1944

Introduction:

1946

Retired:

1972

Primary users:

United States Navy
United States Marine Corps
United States Air Force

Produced:

1944–1967
Number built:

762

Developed into:

Lockheed R-12 Spyhawk

Variants (including Spyhawk):

XF12F - 1944 prototype, 1 built
XF12F2 - 1944 prototype no. 2, 1 built
F12F-1 - 1945 early models, 60 built
XF12F-2 - 1946 heavy fighter prototype, 10 built
F12FU-1 - 1946 primary model, 457 built, top speed increased from 377mph to 437mph
F12F-3/U-2 - 1948 model, more powerful engines, top speed increased to 444mph. 50 built
F12F-4 - 1949 production, 122 built
F12U-3 - 1950 production, 28 built
R-12Y1A - 1954 reconnaissance variant, 16 built
R-12Y2A - 1958 reconnaissance variant, 24 built
R-12Y3A - 1966 reconnaissance variant, 60 built

Armament:
10× FFAR Might Mouse
4× Colt 20mm autocannon