Difference between revisions of "F3H-2"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Flight performance)
m (Details)
(12 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f3h-2
 
|code=f3h-2
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
Line 6: Line 7:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
The F3H is quite possibly the most fun and enjoyable jet to play with american naval jets, that is once fully spaded (fully upgraded modifications), On first glance the jet may look big and slow and it may be in some situations, but the turning abilities and acceleration are a completely new breathe of fresh air for american naval jets.
+
The F3H is quite possibly the most fun and enjoyable jet to play of the American naval jets, once fully upgraded. On first glance the jet may look big and slow and it may be in some situations, but the turning abilities and acceleration are a completely new breath of fresh air for American naval jets.
  
You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but are almost if not completely capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, that is with a smart head on charge with your subsonic jet. As to note the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speed!
+
You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but are almost if not completely capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, that is with a smart head on charge with your subsonic jet. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!
  
When flying this jet you can really stretch your legs with different tactics: you have great ordinance for Ground battles, you have great air to air performance. The mix of the two major combat scenarios make this jet a truly universal naval jet with just about any play style for anyone available in someway.
+
When flying this jet, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics: you have great ordnance for Ground battles, you have great air to air performance. The mix of the two major combat scenarios make this jet a truly universal naval jet with just about any play style for anyone available in someway.
  
Important things to remember:  
+
Important things to remember:
  
* while you may be able to turn fight a mig for a short period of time its important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo maneuvers as in low speed your aircraft will feel very brick like. This can be semi negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
+
* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
 
+
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* your aircraft is very hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel
+
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.
* On take off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if your not using a full "stick back" takeoff
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 37: Line 36:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
|1149||1141|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||29.6||30.6||58.0||53.5|| rowspan="2" | 750
+
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
|1177||1163||26.6||28.0||87.5||72.0
+
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 66: Line 65:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} ||833||833|| 370 || ~11 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 116: Line 115:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
* there is no amour on the vehicle
+
* No armour protection
 +
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
 +
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
 +
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
 +
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started
  
* you are a large aircraft compared to sabres and migs
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
* the engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
 
* your wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
 
* fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}
Line 133: Line 136:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, -mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
 
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
Line 154: Line 158:
 
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
Line 161: Line 165:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
In Air Realistic battles, it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. Since the F3H has a high maneuverability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting maneuvers. The most dangerous enemies of the F3H are the G.91 YS, and Lightning F.6 pilots, as they pick it off quite easily.
+
In Air Realistic battles, it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres. The most dangerous enemies of the F3H are the G.91 YS, and Lightning F.6 pilots, as they pick it off quite easily.
 
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! colspan="4" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
|Compressor
 
|Fuselage repair
 
|Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|Mk81
 
|AN-M57A1 BOX
 
|-
 
| II
 
|New boosters
 
|Airframe
 
|
 
|AERO 6A
 
|Mk82
 
|AN-M64A1 BOX
 
|-
 
| III
 
|Wings repair
 
|G-suit
 
|New 20 mm cannons
 
|AERO 7D
 
|Mk83
 
|Mk84
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|Engine
 
|Cover
 
|
 
|AIM-9B
 
|
 
|Mk118
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 210: Line 173:
  
 
* One of the faster planes compared to its peers
 
* One of the faster planes compared to its peers
* Can carry 4 AIM-9B missiles
+
* Can carry 4 AIM-9B missiles (useful for low speed chases or stall outs)
 
* Wide variety of payload options
 
* Wide variety of payload options
 
* Very good manoeuvrability
 
* Very good manoeuvrability
 +
* Good cockpit visibility with well placed in cockpit radar position
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
 
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
 +
* Missiles may be a disappointment if not used correctly
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.
 +
 
 +
'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
 +
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.
 +
 
 +
At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.
 +
 
 +
'''Operational history'''
 +
 
 +
Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.
 +
 
 +
Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".
 +
 
 +
The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.
 +
 
 +
With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy’s first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG’s performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.
 +
 
 +
The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.
 +
 
 +
Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late ‘50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
 +
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}
  

Revision as of 08:09, 16 February 2021

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
F3H-2
f3h-2.png
GarageImage F3H-2.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/c/c4/Cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
F3H-2
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F3H-2 Demon is a rank VI American jet fighter with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Starfighters".

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m1 163 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude15 240 m
EngineAllison J71-A-2
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight18 t

The F3H is quite possibly the most fun and enjoyable jet to play of the American naval jets, once fully upgraded. On first glance the jet may look big and slow and it may be in some situations, but the turning abilities and acceleration are a completely new breath of fresh air for American naval jets.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but are almost if not completely capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, that is with a smart head on charge with your subsonic jet. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!

When flying this jet, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics: you have great ordnance for Ground battles, you have great air to air performance. The mix of the two major combat scenarios make this jet a truly universal naval jet with just about any play style for anyone available in someway.

Important things to remember:

  • While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
  • The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
  • On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,149 1,141 15240 29.6 30.6 58.0 53.5 750
Upgraded 1,177 1,163 26.6 28.0 87.5 72.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1360 463 833 786 370 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 810 < 750 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic Mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Allison J71-A-2 1 9,965 kg 299 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel
2,180 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 11,305 kg 11,640 kg 12,478 kg 13,735 kg 14,405 kg 18,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel MTOW
Stationary 4,590 kgf 6,334 kgf 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.46 0.44 0.35
Optimal 4,774 kgf
(1,200 km/h)
8,037 kgf
(1,200 km/h)
0.71 0.69 0.64 0.59 0.56 0.45

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 360 km/h
Gear463 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • Large aircraft compared to Sabres and MiGs
  • The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
  • The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
  • Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 163 → 4 241 Sl icon.png
RB10 200 → 13 678 Sl icon.png
SB9 967 → 13 365 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications143 600 Rp icon.png
226 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 380 / 600 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk_12_mod3_belt_pack
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
AERO-6
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk81
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AN-M57A1 BOX
Research:
4 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
AERO-7
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AN-M64A1 BOX
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mk_12_mod3_new_gun
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 300 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7С
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk118
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

The F3H-2 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)

Suspended armament

The F3H-2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
  • 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
  • 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

Usage in battles

In Air Realistic battles, it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres. The most dangerous enemies of the F3H are the G.91 YS, and Lightning F.6 pilots, as they pick it off quite easily.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the faster planes compared to its peers
  • Can carry 4 AIM-9B missiles (useful for low speed chases or stall outs)
  • Wide variety of payload options
  • Very good manoeuvrability
  • Good cockpit visibility with well placed in cockpit radar position

Cons:

  • Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
  • Missiles may be a disappointment if not used correctly

History

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

Design and development
The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.

The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

Operational history

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

Devblog

Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy’s first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG’s performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late ‘50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

Media

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Jet Fighters  F2H-2 · F3H-2
  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
  F-15A
Export/Licensed 
Aircraft  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
  Baz · F-15J
  ▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters  AH-6M · Lahatut
  The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A