McDonnell F3H Demon

The prototype of the Demon naval fighter first flew in 1951but proved to have poor stability, poor forward visibility and a low roll rate. These faults were corrected on the initial production model, but the poor reliability and performance of the J40 engine meant that most of the 58 built never flew.

By June 1955 the F3H-2 had been produced with the Allison J71 engine, which still gave limited power. A modified afterburner system gave power in the range needed to make safe carrier landings.
The first naval fighter to be armed with guided missiles was the F3H-2M.

McDonnell F3H-1N Demon

Gallery

F3H-2 Demon
Engine: 1 x Allison J71-A-2E turbo-jet, 62.23kN with afterburner
Max take-off weight: 15377 kg / 33901 lb
Empty weight: 10039 kg / 22132 lb
Wingspan: 10.77 m / 35 ft 4 in
Length: 17.96 m / 58 ft 11 in
Height: 4.44 m / 14 ft 7 in
Wing area: 48.22 sq.m / 519.04 sq ft
Ceiling: 13000 m / 42650 ft
Range w/max.fuel: 2205 km / 1370 miles
Armament: 4 x 20mm cannons, 2722kg of weapons
Crew: 1

F3H-1N Demon
Carrier-based day and night fighter
Engine: Westinghouse J40-WE-22 turbojet, 7,500 lb with afterburner
Wingspan: 35 ft. 4 in
Length: 59 ft
Loaded weight: about 23,370 lb
Max speed: over 750 m.p.h.
Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Range: about 2,000 miles.
Armament: 4x20 mm. cannon
Crew: 1

F3H-2N
Engine: Allison J71-A-2 turbojet, with afterburner, 9,700 lb. thrust

McDonnell F3H Demon