The McDonnell F3H Demon is a swept-wing, all-weather, naval jet fighter, developed for the U.S. Navy, featuring a single Allison J71 turbojet engine and equipped for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
In Brief
The McDonnell F3H Demon, a carrier-based, all-weather fighter aircraft, was developed by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation for the United States Navy. It was the first of McDonnell’s swept-wing designs, laying the groundwork for the F-4 Phantom II. Initially powered by the troubled Westinghouse J40 engine and later replaced by the more reliable Allison J71, the Demon was designed as a response to the Soviet MiG-15 and as a successor to the F2H Banshee. It served primarily as an interceptor but was adapted for air-to-ground roles in its later variants. Featuring a tricycle landing gear and a pointed nosecone, the Demon was equipped with the AN/APG-51 radar and armed with Colt Mk 12 cannons, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Despite its technological advancements, the Demon faced significant challenges, leading to its replacement by the more capable F-4 Phantom II.
The McDonnell F3H Demon was a significant aircraft in the evolution of carrier-based jet fighters for the United States Navy. Designed and manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the Demon played a pivotal role in transitioning naval aviation into the jet age.
History of Development
The development of the McDonnell F3H Demon was a response to the rapidly changing landscape of aerial warfare during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The advent of jet technology and the experiences of World War II had dramatically altered the requirements for military aircraft. The United States Navy, recognizing the need for more advanced fighters to keep pace with Soviet developments, particularly after the appearance of the MiG-15 during the Korean War, sought a high-performance naval fighter to succeed the F2H Banshee.
McDonnell, having previously developed the successful FH-1 Phantom, was contracted to create a new jet fighter. The company proposed the XF3H-1, a design featuring a swept-wing configuration, a departure from the straight-winged fighters of the time. The Navy, intrigued by the concept, awarded McDonnell a development contract for two prototypes on September 30, 1949. The design was initially intended as a day fighter, but the emergence of the MiG-15 and the lessons from the Korean War led the Navy to prioritize the Demon as an all-weather fighter, significantly altering its intended role and design requirements.
The Demon’s development was not without challenges. The initial engine choice, the Westinghouse J40, was fraught with problems, severely underperforming and leading to several crashes. McDonnell’s founder, James Smith McDonnell, lobbied for a different powerplant, but the Navy persisted with the J40, hoping for improvements. Eventually, the engine’s failures forced a switch to the Allison J71, a more reliable engine that nonetheless struggled to provide adequate power for the Demon’s size and weight.
The first prototype of the Demon flew on August 7, 1951, piloted by test pilot Robert Edholm. While showing promise in terms of maneuverability and ease of control, the aircraft was underpowered, especially at high altitudes. Production was rushed despite these issues, with the first operational design flights occurring in January 1953, as the Korean War was ending.
Despite the setbacks, the Demon entered service with the U.S. Navy, with the first production models being deployed in March 1956. A total of 519 Demons were built before production ceased in November 1959. The aircraft served as the Navy’s first all-weather interceptor with radar capabilities and was eventually adapted for strike fighter roles in its later F3H-2 model.
Design
The McDonnell F3H Demon was a single-seat, carrier-based jet fighter, representing a significant leap in design and technology for the United States Navy. With a length of 58 feet 11 inches (17.98 meters), a wingspan of 35 feet 4 inches (10.75 meters), and a height of 14 feet 7 inches (4.45 meters), the Demon was a prominent figure on aircraft carriers. Its empty weight was 22,134 pounds (10,040 kilograms), and it had a maximum take-off weight of 33,896 pounds (15,375 kilograms).
The Demon’s design featured a swept-wing configuration, which was a departure from the straight-wing designs of earlier naval fighters. This design choice was influenced by the need for higher speeds and better performance at altitude, as demonstrated by Soviet aircraft like the MiG-15. The aircraft had a pointed nosecone, near-slab-sided fuselage walls, and beautifully swept-back wing surfaces, giving it a modern and aggressive appearance.
The initial powerplant, the Westinghouse J40, proved to be a significant drawback, suffering from reliability issues and inadequate thrust. After several fatal accidents and performance shortfalls, the J40 was replaced with the Allison J71 turbojet, which provided 14,000 pounds of thrust (9,700 dry) and improved the Demon’s overall performance and reliability. The engine was aspirated through two intake slits found along either side of the cockpit, and the tail unit featured a single vertical fin with low-set horizontal planes.
One of the most significant design changes in the Demon was the incorporation of radar for all-weather interception capability. The AN/APG-51 radar, which was upgraded throughout the Demon’s service life, enabled it to perform its primary role as an interceptor effectively. Additionally, the Demon’s armament included four 20mm Colt Mk 12 internal cannons, with later models capable of carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.
The Demon’s tricycle undercarriage and folding wing design were crucial for carrier operations. The long nose leg gave the aircraft a distinctive “nose-up” appearance when at rest. The aircraft was also known for its good visibility from the cockpit, which was an essential factor for carrier landings and air combat.
Despite these advancements, the Demon had its share of design challenges. The weight increase due to the shift from a day fighter to an all-weather fighter affected its performance, and the engine issues led to a less than optimal power-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless, the Demon represented a significant step forward in naval aviation technology and laid the groundwork for future aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II.
Performance
The performance of the McDonnell F3H Demon was a mix of advancements and challenges. The aircraft’s initial engine, the Westinghouse J40, was plagued with reliability issues and failed to provide the necessary power, significantly affecting the Demon’s performance. The switch to the Allison J71 turbojet was a crucial improvement, providing a thrust of 14,000 pounds with afterburner (9,700 pounds dry). This engine change improved the Demon’s overall performance but still fell short of the desired power levels for an aircraft of its size.
The Demon had a maximum speed of 715 mph (1,150 kph or 621 knots), which was respectable for its time but not groundbreaking. Its service ceiling reached 35,056 feet (10,685 meters), allowing it to operate effectively at high altitudes. The aircraft’s range was 1,181
miles (1,900 km or 1,026 nautical miles), providing a good operational radius for carrier-based missions. One of the impressive aspects of the Demon’s performance was its rate of climb, which was 12,800 feet per minute (3,901 meters per minute).
Compared to its contemporaries and rivals, such as the Soviet MiG-15 and later MiG-17, the Demon was competitive in certain aspects but fell short in others, particularly in terms of speed and power-to-weight ratio. Its all-weather capability and radar system gave it an edge in interception missions, but the engine limitations and weight issues meant that it was not as agile or as fast as some of its adversaries.
In service, the Demon was valued for its stability and ease of handling, particularly in carrier operations. Pilots appreciated its responsiveness and the visibility from the cockpit. However, the limitations in speed and power, along with the initial reliability issues, meant that the Demon was not the dominant air superiority fighter the Navy had hoped for. Its role as an all-weather interceptor was essential, but it was eventually outclassed by newer, more capable aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II.
The Demon’s performance, while not reaching the heights expected, was nonetheless a crucial step in the evolution of naval jet fighters. It bridged the gap between the first generation of jet fighters and the more advanced designs that followed, providing valuable lessons and experiences that influenced the development of future aircraft.
Variants
The McDonnell F3H Demon saw several variants throughout its production and service life, each tailored to specific roles and improvements over the original design.
- XF3H-1: The prototype model, of which two were completed. These were powered by the Westinghouse XJ40-WE-6 series turbojet engine, delivering 9,200 pounds of thrust.
- F3H-1N: The initial production model with 58 examples completed. It was fitted with the Westinghouse J40-WE-22 turbojet engine, providing 7,200 pounds of thrust.
- F3H-2N: A significant upgrade over the F3H-1N, the F3H-2N featured the Allison J71-A-2 turbojet engine with 14,250 pounds of thrust. A total of 239 examples of this variant were completed.
- F3H-2M: The missile-armed variant of the F3H-2N, supporting the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. It was designed to enhance the Demon’s air-to-air capabilities, with 80 examples produced.
- F3H-2: This fighter-bomber variant was capable of carrying up to 6,000 pounds of conventional drop stores while retaining its missile capability. A total of 239 examples were completed.
- F3H-2P: A proposed photo-reconnaissance variant of the F3H-2M, which was not built.
- F3H-3: A proposed variant with a General Electric J73 engine for greater output power, but this design was never adopted.
- F-3C, MF-3B, and F-3B: These were redesignations of the F3H-2N, F3H-2M, and F3H-2, respectively, following the 1962 restructuring by the United States Air Force.
Each variant of the Demon reflected advancements in technology, engine performance, and mission capabilities. The shift from the troubled J40 to the more reliable J71 engine was a crucial turning point in the Demon’s development, enabling it to fulfill its intended roles more effectively. The missile-armed variants marked an important step in the evolution of air-to-air combat capabilities for carrier-based fighters.
Military Use and Combat
The McDonnell F3H Demon’s service in the United States Navy was marked by a combination of technological innovation and operational challenges. The aircraft’s armament included four 20mm Colt Mk 12 internal cannons and, in later models, air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder. The Demon’s missile capability was a significant advancement in naval aviation, allowing for engagements at longer ranges and in various weather conditions.
The Demon was deployed in various naval squadrons and saw service during a period marked by the Cold War and several regional conflicts. However, it did not see combat in major conflicts like the Korean or Vietnam Wars. Its primary role was as an all-weather interceptor, defending carrier battle groups against potential aerial threats. The Demon was also used in ground attack roles, demonstrating its versatility as a strike fighter.
While the Demon was an important step forward in naval aviation, it faced competition from other aircraft of the era, such as the Soviet MiG series and other U.S. Navy aircraft like the F4D Skyray. The Demon’s performance, particularly its speed and maneuverability, was often compared to these contemporaries, and while it held its own in certain aspects, it was generally outclassed by more advanced designs.
The Demon was not sold to other countries, remaining a uniquely American aircraft. Its service with the U.S. Navy lasted until the mid-1960s, when it was replaced by the more capable F-4B Phantom II. The introduction of the Phantom, which could perform a wider range of mission types and carry a heavier war load, marked the end of the Demon’s frontline service.
The Demon’s legacy is mixed; while it faced significant challenges, particularly with its initial engine and performance limitations, it also represented a crucial transitional design in carrier-based jet fighters. Its all-weather capability, radar system, and missile armament set the stage for future developments in naval aviation. The experiences and lessons learned from the Demon’s service helped shape the design and capabilities of subsequent aircraft, including the highly successful F-4 Phantom II.
The McDonnell F3H Demon was a critical aircraft in the evolution of jet-powered naval fighters. Despite its challenges, particularly with its initial engine choice, the Demon represented a significant technological advancement. Its all-weather capability, radar system, and missile armament were pioneering features for carrier-based fighters of its time. The Demon’s design and operational experience paved the way for future aircraft, most notably the F-4 Phantom II, which built upon the Demon’s foundations. While the Demon’s service life was relatively short and it did not see combat in major conflicts, its role in transitioning naval aviation into the jet age and setting the stage for future developments cannot be understated.
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