F-9A (Speeder Aircraft Industry)
F-9A
Role: Multirole Jet Fighter
National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Speeder Aircraft Industry
First flight: August 17, 1952
Introduction: 1954
Retired: 1981 (U.S. Air Force)
Status: Retired
Primary users: United States Air Force, Khmer Republic Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, South Vietnamese Air Force
Produced: 1952–1960
Number built: 348

Overview
The F-9A was a subsonic jet-powered multirole fighter aircraft developed in the early 1950s by Speeder Aircraft Industry, a then-emerging defense contractor specializing in compact, rugged military aircraft. The F-9A served extensively during the Cold War era and saw combat roles in both Southeast Asia and Middle Eastern conflicts.

With its distinctive short fuselage, straight wings, and underslung intake, the F-9A became known as the “Stub Jet” among pilots and technicians. It was capable of carrying a modest payload and boasted reliable performance in close-air support and limited air superiority missions.

Design and Features
The F-9A featured a mid-mounted straight wing with six hardpoints (three per wing) that could carry air-to-ground rockets, bombs, or early-generation air-to-air missiles. Its design was heavily inspired by late WWII-era jet fighters like the F-86 Sabre and MiG-15, but with custom innovations suited for rough airstrips and minimal maintenance.

Cockpit and Avionics:

Single-seat configuration

Analog instrumentation with optional radar gun-sight

Basic target acquisition radar (later models)

Armament:

4 × 20mm cannons

Up to 1,200 kg of mixed ordnance including:

AIM-9A Sidewinders

Performance:

Maximum speed: 960 km/h (596 mph)

Combat radius: 850 km (528 miles)

Service ceiling: 14,000 m (46,000 ft)

Rate of climb: 38 m/s (7,480 ft/min)

Operational History
The F-9A was introduced into U.S. Air Force service in 1954 as a lower-cost alternative to the F-100 Super Sabre. While it was quickly overshadowed by supersonic fighters, it continued to serve in a variety of frontline and second-line roles through the 1960s. It was especially favored in jungle warfare environments for its ease of maintenance and strong loitering capability.

Notable Engagements:
Laos Conflict (1959–1962)

Vietnam War (as a forward air control and ground attack platform)

Cambodian Civil War (used by pro-U.S. factions)

Variants
F-9A – Initial production model.

F-9B – Improved variant with radar pod and upgraded engine.

F-9C Trainer – Two-seat training version.

RF-9A – Reconnaissance version with external camera pod.

Legacy
Though technologically obsolete by the 1970s, the F-9A left a significant mark in the history of compact jet fighters. A handful of airworthy units remain in private collections and museums. The Speeder Aircraft Industry, later absorbed by NorthWest AeroTech, is now remembered for its daring entry into Cold War jet design.