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The Lockheed XF-90 was another contender for the penetration fighter project. Developed from the design of the successful P-80, the two prototypes had swept wings and two engines, but the Westinghouse J34-EW-11s proved woefully insufficient for the task, although the XF-90 thus became the first USAF jet equipped with afterburners. Including an unusual vertical stabiliser – which could be moved fore and aft for adjustment – the XF-90 was to include six 20mm guns. The first prototype (only two were ever built) broke the sound barrier (even if only in a dive), but Lockheed’s contender came out second after the XF-88, before the entire contest was cancelled. (Artwork by Goran Sudar)