McDonnell F2H Banshee
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1947 · fighter
The McDonnell F2H Banshee was a twin-engine carrier-based jet fighter that served the US Navy and Marine Corps during the Korean War, developing a reputation for reliability and versatility despite its straight-wing design being superseded by swept-wing jets.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.68 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-jet carrier-based fighter — 'Banshee' of Korean War era
- Wing-root embedded turbojet engines (Westinghouse J34)
- Straight mid-wing, tricycle undercarriage, naval folding wings
The Banshee is identified by its two jet engines buried in the wing roots, straight mid-wing with folding tips, an uncluttered smooth fuselage, and a pronounced resemblance to the FH-1 Phantom — larger, with twin engines rather than one.
Specifications
- The McDonnell F2H Banshee has a length of 14.68 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.67 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 933 km/h (580 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in January 1947, the Banshee entered service in 1948 and flew combat missions in Korea as a fighter and fighter-bomber. It equipped US Navy and Marine Corps squadrons and was exported to Canada (as the F2H-3/-4 with the Royal Canadian Navy) where it flew from HMCS Bonaventure. Ted Williams flew Banshees in Korea as a Marine Corps reservist.
Variants
The F2H-1 was the initial variant; the F2H-2 added wingtip tanks; the F2H-2P was a photo-reconnaissance type; the F2H-3 and F2H-4 were all-weather fighters with lengthened fuselage and radar.
Where you'll see it
Served with US Navy, Marine Corps, and Royal Canadian Navy from 1948 to the early 1960s; Canadian aircraft flew from carrier and shore bases until the RCN retired fixed-wing aviation.
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