n this video, we take a look at the Republic XF-103, an American jet-powered fighter from the post-World War II, Korean War, Cold War era(s). We first talk about the rapid evolution of aviation technology, and the growing influence of science fiction in broader society. We then talk about American military concerns about Soviet attacks, and their quest for a high-powered interceptor to defend against these attacks. We talk about the 1954 Interceptor Project, the several projects proposed, and the three selected for further work.We talk briefly about the other two designs, in the Convair XF-102 and Lockheed XF-104, before moving to Republic’s submission. We talk about Ramjet engines, and how they were much more powerful than standard turbojets. We talk about their incredible potential, and their severe drawbacks. We talk about the XF-103’s strange design, revolutionary design features, and inevitable delays that pushed it well past 1954. We end by talking about the eventual failure of the project, and how practicality won over potential.