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McDonnell F2H-3 BANSHEE
The RCNs only jet fighter:
the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee(CF Photo)
Procured second-hand from USN, the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee was the only carrier-based air defence jet fighter used by the RCN from 1955 to 1962. Until the CF-18 Hornet, the Banshee, also nicknamed the "Banjo," was the only Canadian military aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The Banshee was a rugged and reliable, all-weather, fleet defence and ground attack fighter.
In Canadian Navy operational service, all 39 Banshee aircraft were based in Shearwater, NS and flew with VF870 and VF871 Squadrons, until the latter was amalgamated into the former in 1959. VX10 Experimental Squadron also flew the Banshee in order to do acceptance evaluations. Squadrons were deployed aboard Canada's sole aircraft carrier of the period, HMCS Bonaventure.
The Banshee was well liked by pilots because of its good performance on the deck and in the air, as well as its all-weather capability, 800-mile tactical radius, and Mach 0.8 speed capability. The aircraft also formed the basis of the RCN's premiere aerobatic team known as the "Grey Ghosts". The four ship formation team participated in many air shows.
The following Banshee's were acquired by the Royal Canadian Navy:
126294, 126295(112), 126306, 126310, 126313, 126327, 126330, 126331, 126333/126335, 126337, 126339, 126343, 126346, 126347, 126361, 126381(149), 126382, 126390, 126391, 126392(100), 126400, 126402(100), 126403, 126414, 126415, 126422, 126428, 126429, 126434, 126443, 126444, 126446, 126449, 126454, 126464, 126469, 126488, and 127510
| Manufacturer: | McDonnell Aircraft Corporation |
| Crew/Passengers: | 1 pilot in an ejection seat |
| Power Plant: | Two Westinghouse J34-WE-34 turbojet engine with a thrust rating of 3,250 lbs |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 479 mph (771 km/h) Cruising Speed: 248 mph (399 km/h) Service Ceiling: 41,100 ft (12,527 m) Range: 1,170 mi (1,882 km) |
| Weights: | Empty: 6,683 lbs (3,031 kg) Gross: 12,035 lbs ( 5,459 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 40 ft 9 in (12.42 m) Length: 38 ft 9 in (11.81 m) Height 14 ft 2 in (4.32 m) |
| Armament: | four 20mm cannons, plus provisions for two Sidewinders, 16 rockets, or six 500-lb (227 kg) bombs |
| Cost: | Unknown |
