The early 1960s were a time of transition for the Mexican Air Force, or Fuerza Aérea Mexicana. Equipped with U.S.-surplus aircraft that were hardly cutting-edge, they sought out the great aircraft designer, Octavio O'Toolio to come up with their next generation jet fighter.
Octavio O'Toolio tried many different design concepts, but found all of them lacking. Feeling dejected and out of ideas, he went to his favorite cantina for lunch. While waiting on his food, Octavio nibbled on some of the complimentary nachos. The design for the next generation jet fighter suddenly came to him...
A delta wing! Of course!
The new fighter was ordered right off the drawing board and Octavio O'Toolio's firm, Norte Aviación Cuidad Hernando was contracted to undertake mass production. When the first new delta wing jets were rolled out, jaws dropped in amazement.
Officially known as the XFD-0 Mk. 1, the Norte Aviación Cuidad Hernando company abbreviation and delta wing configuration ensured the new fighter would be called the N.A.C.H.-0 or Nacho.
Powered by the hottest Mexican jet engine yet developed, the Habañero, and armed with four 20 m.m. and two 40 m.m. cannons, the Nacho was a fast, maneuverable and devastating gun platform. One burst from its guns could obliterate any target.
The delta wing Nacho was beloved by its pilots due to its speed and wonderful flight characteristics. Ground crews found the new fighter easy to maintain although they were at first confused by the especially thick red lubricating fluid they called "salsa". Woe to any mechanic who tried to substitute green "salsa" for red in the Nacho as the green was only intended for the large piston-engine transport known as the Chalupa.
The Naco had an undistinguished service career, its only combat taking place during the Refrito Rebellion of 1964 where it was used to cut the rebels' supply lines. While completely forgotten today, the Nacho was single-handedly responsible for the re-birth of the Mexican aircraft industry.
Brian da Basher
