The F3H Demon was a carrier-based jet fighter aircraft used by the US Navy during the Cold War. This swept-winged single-engine fighter was designed and built by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. The XF3H-1 prototype was flown for the first time on August 7, 1951, by test pilot Robert Edholm. After several test flights, it entered service as the F3H-2 on March 6, 1956, replacing the F2H Banshee. Although it was not a supersonic aircraft, it complemented daylight fighters such as the F8U Crusader and F11F Tiger.
The F3H was the first swept-wing design manufactured by McDonnell and one of the first US aircraft to be equipped with missile armament. Until November 1959, 520 Demons were produced by McDonnell. It remained the Navy’s front-line fighter until 1962, when it was succeeded by the F-4 Phantom II. Because of the excellent visibility from the cockpit, the Demon earned the nickname "The Chair."
Specifications (F3H-2)
Engine: one Westinghouse J40-WE-22 turbojet.
Top speed: 716 mph (1,152 km/h).
Range: 1,800 mi (2,900 km).
Service ceiling: 42,650 ft (13,000 m).
Length: 59 ft 0 in (17.98 m).
Wingspan: 35 ft 4 in (10.77 m).
Crew: one.
Weapons: four 20mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannons; four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles; 6,000 lb (2,720 kg) of bombs.
McDonnell F3H Demon (Video)
