Max speed 585 mph at S.L., 885 mph at 30,000'. Service ceiling 50,000'+. Initial climb rate >20,000' per minute. Approach speed 150 mph. An outgrowth of the Gemini project exploring high speed twin boom aircraft, the Vicious was designed around the powerful new Foxhunter radar system, able to detect fighter-sized aircraft at 35 nm. The Vicious can scramble launch in all weather conditions, intercept enemy aircraft above neighboring islands, engage in a two circle fight and RTB. The unconventional layout imparts it with exceptonal stability and an excetional climb rate. Unexpectantly, the straight horizontal stab is not an impediment to its high supersonic performance, perhaps because it is so thin or due to some previously undiscovered aerodynamic phenomenom. A favorite of the Jundroo Air Force, F-9s operating from Murphy Airport often engage in combat exercises with JAF F-6s, more than holding their own against the nimble delta winged fighters.