BoeingFan7879
McDonnell F3H-2N {F-3C} Demon 133566
The Demon is a swept-wing all-weather fighter jet armed with both cannons and air-to-air missiles. Its story began in 1949 when it was first ordered, and the prototype XF3H-1 took its inaugural flight on August 7th, 1951. Designed and built by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation's St. Louis, Missouri factory, its primary mission was to counter Russia's newest swept-wing fighter, the Mikoyan MiG-15, a formidable opponent being supplied in large numbers to the North Koreans via the Soviet Union.
The early 1950s was a period of rapid design growth and experimentation in airframes and engines. Initially, the Demon was powered by a single Westinghouse J-40 jet engine. However, the J-40 never lived up to its expectations regarding power output and reliability, which was deemed unacceptable by the U.S. Navy. The Demons were then redesigned to equip the Allison J-71 jet engine, thus delaying the type's entry into service until 1956 and thereby missing the Korean War. The Allison J-71-A-2 was an upgraded improvement, but its performance never met the Navy's expectations.
Despite the challenges, the pilots who flew the Demon took immense pride in their aircraft, often referring to themselves as 'Demon Drivers.' This pride was shared by the maintenance crews, who affectionately called themselves 'Demon Doctors.' The Demons served with distinction until their retirement in September 1964. Out of the 519 Demons that were built, only three survive today. Armed with four internally mounted 20mm (.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannons and the Capability to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, the Demons were a force to be reckoned with. Two 262-gallon drop fuel tanks could also be carried, extending the aircraft's range. Although they never saw combat, the Demons were a powerful symbol of deterrence during the Cold War.
Most notably, the Demon was a pivotal design link to its eventual replacement, McDonnell's phenomenal F-4 Phantom II, which became operational in 1960. The Phantom II started as a major redesign of the Demon, adding a second engine and aerodynamic refinements that would allow it to reach speeds as high as 1,500 mph (2,414 kph). Even though the Phantom II is a vastly superior airplane, the family resemblance to the Demon is unmistakable. This example, BuNo 133566, is one of the three aircraft of the type that survives today. It was only the 78th aircraft to roll off the production line. It is currently on permanent loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.
McDonnell F3H-2N {F-3C} Demon 133566
The Demon is a swept-wing all-weather fighter jet armed with both cannons and air-to-air missiles. Its story began in 1949 when it was first ordered, and the prototype XF3H-1 took its inaugural flight on August 7th, 1951. Designed and built by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation's St. Louis, Missouri factory, its primary mission was to counter Russia's newest swept-wing fighter, the Mikoyan MiG-15, a formidable opponent being supplied in large numbers to the North Koreans via the Soviet Union.
The early 1950s was a period of rapid design growth and experimentation in airframes and engines. Initially, the Demon was powered by a single Westinghouse J-40 jet engine. However, the J-40 never lived up to its expectations regarding power output and reliability, which was deemed unacceptable by the U.S. Navy. The Demons were then redesigned to equip the Allison J-71 jet engine, thus delaying the type's entry into service until 1956 and thereby missing the Korean War. The Allison J-71-A-2 was an upgraded improvement, but its performance never met the Navy's expectations.
Despite the challenges, the pilots who flew the Demon took immense pride in their aircraft, often referring to themselves as 'Demon Drivers.' This pride was shared by the maintenance crews, who affectionately called themselves 'Demon Doctors.' The Demons served with distinction until their retirement in September 1964. Out of the 519 Demons that were built, only three survive today. Armed with four internally mounted 20mm (.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannons and the Capability to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, the Demons were a force to be reckoned with. Two 262-gallon drop fuel tanks could also be carried, extending the aircraft's range. Although they never saw combat, the Demons were a powerful symbol of deterrence during the Cold War.
Most notably, the Demon was a pivotal design link to its eventual replacement, McDonnell's phenomenal F-4 Phantom II, which became operational in 1960. The Phantom II started as a major redesign of the Demon, adding a second engine and aerodynamic refinements that would allow it to reach speeds as high as 1,500 mph (2,414 kph). Even though the Phantom II is a vastly superior airplane, the family resemblance to the Demon is unmistakable. This example, BuNo 133566, is one of the three aircraft of the type that survives today. It was only the 78th aircraft to roll off the production line. It is currently on permanent loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.