McDonnell F2H Banshee

The McDonnell F2H Banshee was a carrier‑based jet fighter developed for the United States Navy shortly after World War II. First flown in 1947, the Banshee entered operational service in 1949 and served throughout the 1950s, seeing combat in the Korean War and later in the early stages of the Vietnam conflict. Powered by a single Allison J35‑25 turbo‑jet delivering 5,400 pounds of thrust, the aircraft featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal construction, and a bubble canopy that gave pilots excellent visibility. Its armament typically comprised four 20 mm cannons and provisions for rockets or bombs, making it a versatile platform for air‑to‑air and ground‑attack missions. The Banshee’s rugged landing gear and reinforced airframe allowed it to operate from the limited decks of World II‑era carriers, a crucial advantage during the early jet age. Although quickly eclipsed by more advanced designs such as the F2H‑4 and later the F9F Panther, the Banshee demonstrated the viability of jet propulsion for naval aviation and helped bridge the transition from propeller‑driven fighters to modern supersonic carriers. Its service record contributed to the development of carrier tactics and jet maintenance procedures that remain foundational in contemporary naval flight operations.

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation

McDonnell F2H Banshee

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Design & Classification