Register a SNAP EBT card with Amazon
Try Amazon Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks
McDonnell F2H Banshee
McDonnell's Banshee was developed
from the Navy's first jet powered fighter aircraft, the FH-1 Phantom. It
was the F2H-2 versions of the Banshee that saw the most service in Korea.
With performance similar to the Grumman F9F, the Banshee proved to be less
durable in combat and that standard F2H-2 could not carry as great a weight
of ordnance as the Grumman. Nonetheless, the aircraft was well liked by
those who flew it. Filling he need for a fast photoreconnaissance platform,
McDonnell developed the F2H-2P with camera equipment located in an elongated
nose. In 1952, the F2H-3 began to reach the fleet. This development of
the line was a great improvement over the previous model. Fitted with an
APQ-41 radar, it now had full all-weather and night capability.
A pair of F2H-2B Banshees fly
down the starboard side of the U.S.S. Essex off the coast of North Korea.
Pilots loved the docile handling of the Banshee and the ease of which she
could be flown. Banshees also equipped three Marine squadrons. The F2H-2B
was modified with additional bomb racks under the wings for the close support
role. This enabled the fighter to carry 3,000 pounds of underwing ordnance,
which was a full ton greater than the standard F2H-2.
Read More About This Aircraft
Return To Main Page: The Air War Over Korea
Unless otherwise indicated, all articles Copyright © Corey C. Jordan 2001.
Reproduction for distribution, or posting to a public forum without express
written permission is a violation of applicable copyright law.
