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McDonnell F2H Banshee

McDonnell · Carrier-Based Jet Fighter / Carrier Air Defence / Fighter-Bomber · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

The McDonnell F2H Banshee was an American twin-engine jet fighter — the U.S. Navy's principal carrier-based jet fighter of the early 1950s + the second McDonnell-designed jet fighter (after the FH Phantom). McDonnell Aircraft designed the F2H in 1945-1947; first flight 11 January 1947. About 895 Banshees were built between 1948 and 1953 at McDonnell St. Louis. The aircraft served U.S. Navy + U.S. Marine Corps + Royal Canadian Navy 1948-1962.

The F2H-2 (most-numerous variant) used 2 × Westinghouse J34-WE-34 turbojets (3,250 lbf each). Maximum speed 933 km/h, range 1,720 km, service ceiling 13,420 m. Armament: 4 × 20 mm M3 cannons + up to 1,360 kg of bombs / rockets on external pylons. Crew: 1 (or 2 in F2H-2N night-fighter variant). The aircraft was specifically designed for U.S. Navy carrier operations — heavy-duty landing gear + folding wings + ASW + carrier-deck-handling features. The Banshee was the second jet fighter to operate from American aircraft carriers (after the FH Phantom).

Banshee service was concentrated in U.S. Navy + USMC Korean War combat 1950-1953. F2H-2 + F2H-3 + F2H-4 variants flew combat air patrol + reconnaissance + photo-reconnaissance + close-air-support missions during the war. The aircraft was succeeded by the supersonic F3H Demon + F-4 Phantom from 1956 onwards. Royal Canadian Navy operated 39 Banshees (CF Banshee) aboard HMCS Bonaventure 1955-1962 — Canada's only carrier-based jet fighter. About 6 Banshees survive in 2026.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The McDonnell F2H Banshee was an American jet fighter. It flew from aircraft carriers at sea. It was the second jet fighter ever to fly from an American carrier. McDonnell Aircraft built the very first one in 1947.

The Banshee had two jet engines, one in each wing root. It could fly faster than 930 kilometers per hour. That is faster than most propeller planes of its time. It could also carry bombs and rockets under its wings.

About 895 Banshees were built between 1948 and 1953. The wings could fold up so the plane fit on a carrier deck. The landing gear was extra strong for hard carrier landings. One pilot flew the plane, but a special night version carried two people.

The Banshee fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. American Navy and Marine pilots flew it on many missions. It was used for patrols, scouting, and supporting troops on the ground. Canada also used the Banshee on their carrier ship until 1962.

Fun Facts

The Banshee was faster than most propeller fighters used in World War Two.
Nearly 900 Banshees were built in just five years at a factory in St. Louis.
The Banshee's wings folded up so more planes could fit on a small carrier deck.
Canada flew 39 Banshees from their carrier ship called HMCS Bonaventure.
The Banshee had four big cannons in its nose for air combat.
It could fly as high as about 44,000 feet — higher than most clouds!
The Banshee was smaller than a school bus but packed with powerful jet engines.
The very first Banshee took to the skies on January 11, 1947.

Kids’ Questions

How did the Banshee land on a ship?

The Banshee had very strong landing gear to handle the hard slam of a carrier landing. Its wings could also fold up like a bird. This helped fit more planes on the crowded ship deck.

Did the Banshee go to war?

Yes! The Banshee flew many missions during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. American Navy and Marine pilots used it for patrols, scouting flights, and helping soldiers on the ground.

Why did the Banshee have two engines?

Two engines gave the Banshee more power and speed. It also meant the plane could keep flying if one engine had a problem. Having two engines made it safer over open ocean.

Which countries flew the Banshee?

The American Navy, American Marines, and the Canadian Navy all flew the Banshee. Canada used their Banshees on a carrier ship until 1962. That means the plane served for about 14 years in total!

Variants

F2H-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (basic): Standard production variants. About 800 built.
F2H-2N (night fighter): Night-fighter variant with radar. 14 built.
F2H-2P (photo-reconnaissance): Photo-reconnaissance variant. 89 built.

Notable Operators

U.S. Navy + Marine Corps (1948-1959): Principal user. Korean War combat + Cold War carrier operations.
Royal Canadian Navy (1955-1962): 39 CF Banshees aboard HMCS Bonaventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Banshee Canada's only carrier jet?

Yes. The Royal Canadian Navy operated 39 ex-USN F2H-3 Banshees (re-designated CF Banshee) from HMCS Bonaventure 1955-1962. The Banshee was the only jet fighter the RCN ever operated from a carrier. HMCS Bonaventure was Canada's last operational aircraft carrier; the Banshees retired in 1962 + the carrier itself was retired in 1970. Canada never replaced its carrier aviation; the RCAF + Canadian Forces have not operated carrier-based jets since.

Sources

Wikipedia — McDonnell F2H Banshee