The first flight of the F-107 was on September 10, 1956. The F-107's competitor for the Air Force contract was the Republic F-105. While both aircraft performed very well the decision eventually came down on the side of the F-105 primarily because it had a full internal bomb bay while the F-107 did not. After Air Force testing ended two of the F-107 prototypes were turned over to NASA for experimental testing of the control system for the X-15 and high speed research flights.

The second of three prototypes completed of this Mach 2 all-weather interceptor fighter design. The N.A. XB-70 Valkyrie 62-0001 fills the background.

The F-107 was North American's entry into the 1950s USAF tactical fighter-bomber design competition and was based on the F-100 but with the over-fuselage engine air-intakes as the main innovation. The competition was eventually won by the F-105 Thunderchief and in the end only three test F-107s were produced. This was the first example built and is now on display at the superb Pima Air & Space Museum.

The F-107 was intended to be a Mach 2.2 all-weather interceptor based on the F-100. Nine were ordered but only three were completed of which this is the first example 55-5118 and is shown stored in a yard at the now closed Tallmantz Collection at Orange County. It had been fitted with a rudder marked 55120 which was damaged beyond repair on take-off on 01.09.59 when with NASA.