F3H-2

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Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
F3H-2
f3h-2.png
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
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Description

GarageImage F3H-2.jpg


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 463 833 833 370 ~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 economics

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 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (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 + 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 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.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability 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:

  • 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.

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