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McDonnell Phantom
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Thrust:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Machine Guns:
Rockets:
Bombs:
Length:
Wingspan:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Range:
Ceiling:
First Flight:
Year
Deployed: |
fighter
one
Westinghouse J30
2 x 1,600 lbs. ea.
6,680 lbs.
12,035 lbs.
4- .50 cal.
eight
none
37' 3"
40' 9"
475 mph
4,200 fpm
980 miles
41,000 feet
1/26/45
1947 |
The McDonnell Phantom got its start in January of 1943 when the U.S. Navy asked McDonnell to develop a jet
fighter that could operate from its aircraft carriers. The first McDonnell Phantom prototype, designated XFD-1 flew on January 26, 1945.
The McDonnell Phantom was the first ever U.S. Navy fighter with a speed of over 500 mph, the first ever
pure jet engine aircraft to land on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on July 21, 1946, the first U.S.M.C. jet fighter, the first jet to be in
a U.S. Navy aerobatic team, the Gray Angels, and the first jet aircraft of a deployed U.S. carrier squadron.
The cockpit of the McDonnell Phantom was ahead of the wings, with a canopy of a bubble-style. It provided
the pilot with excellent all around vision. Flaps of the Phantom were split to provide better performance during carrier landings.
A number of improvements were made to the Phantom, now designated FH-1, that eventually went into
production. These included less canopy framing to enhance forward vision, a belly fuel tank, speed brakes, and more powerful engines.
McDonnell Phantom on aircraft carrier.
The McDonnell Phantom was only deployed from 1947 into 1949. It wasn't able to carry bombs, only had four
.50 cal. machine guns, and had a relatively short range. Its climb rate and top speed only just exceeded that of propeller-powered
aircraft. Newer jet powered aircraft were being developed which were clearly superior to the McDonnell Phantom.
A total of 62 McDonnell Phantom aircraft were produced.
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McDonnell Phantom
