Tsunami (aircraft)

The Tsunami was the name given to two distinct aircraft projects:

1. Hughes D-2/XF-11 (Proposed Name): While the name "Tsunami" was never officially adopted, some sources suggest it was considered as a potential name for the Hughes D-2, which evolved into the XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft. The XF-11 was a twin-engine, all-metal, high-altitude, long-range photographic reconnaissance aircraft designed and built by Hughes Aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The project was highly controversial due to its cost, complexity, and the well-publicized crash of the first prototype during a flight piloted by Howard Hughes himself. The name "Tsunami" in this context is mostly relegated to speculation regarding potential project codenames or marketing considerations that ultimately did not materialize.

2. Rare Bear's Pylon Racing Name (Sometimes): In the context of air racing, specifically pylon racing at the Reno Air Races, the highly modified Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat known as "Rare Bear" has occasionally been referred to colloquially or informally as "Tsunami" due to its incredible speed and destructive impact on the competition. While "Rare Bear" remains the aircraft's official and commonly used name, the "Tsunami" moniker conveys the sheer force and dominance it has displayed throughout its racing history. This usage is primarily figurative and descriptive, rather than an official designation. The connection arises from the powerful and overwhelming nature of a tsunami, mirroring the Rare Bear's performance.