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{{Short description|American carrier-based jet fighter}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= F2H Banshee
 |image= File:McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee in flight (colour).jpg
 |caption=
 |type= [[Carrier-based]] [[fighter aircraft]]
 |national_origin = United States
 |manufacturer= [[McDonnell Aircraft]]
 |first_flight= 11 January 1947
 |introduction= August 1948
 |retired= 30 September 1959 USN<br/> 1959 USMC<br/> 1960 USN, USMC (F2H-2P)<br/> 1961 USNR, USMCR<br/> 12 September 1962 RCN
 |status=
 |primary_user= [[United States Navy]]
 |more_users= [[United States Marine Corps]] <br/>[[Royal Canadian Navy]]
 |produced= 1947 to 1953
 |number_built= 895
 |developed_from = [[McDonnell FH Phantom]]
}}

The '''McDonnell F2H Banshee''' (company designation '''McDonnell Model 24''') is a single-seat [[carrier-based]] jet [[fighter aircraft]] designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer [[McDonnell Aircraft]]. It was an early jet fighter operated by [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]], as well as being the only [[Jet aircraft|jet-powered]] fighter to ever be deployed by the [[Royal Canadian Navy]].<ref name=mesko48>Mesko 2002, p. 48.</ref> The aircraft's name is derived from the [[banshee]] of Irish mythology.

The Banshee was developed during the mid to late 1940s. It was a derivative of the earlier [[McDonnell FH Phantom|FH Phantom]], although the resulting aircraft would be considerably larger, more heavily armed, and furnished with far more powerful engines in the form of a pair of [[Westinghouse J34]] [[turbojet]]s. The Banshee incorporated several recent innovations, including a [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] cockpit, "kneeling" nose [[landing gear]] and an [[ejection seat]], which the Phantom lacked, as well as a large number of improvements to other aircraft systems. On 11 January 1947, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]. During August 1948, the first ''F2H-1'', the initial production model, was completed. The F2H-2 was the basis for three sub-variants; the [[nuclear weapon|nuclear-armed]] ''F2H-2B'', the ''F2H-2N'' [[night fighter]], and the ''F2H-2P'' [[aerial reconnaissance|photo reconnaissance]] aircraft.

Upon its introduction in late 1948, the Banshee proved to be almost {{cvt|100|mph}} slower than the latest land-based fighters, which has been largely attributed to its use of a straight wing rather than a [[swept wing]] configuration. Nevertheless, several variants were procured; the F2H-2N was the first carrier-based jet-powered night fighter flown by the U.S. Navy, albeit only in limited numbers, while the ''F2H-2P'' was also the service's first jet-powered reconnaissance aircraft. US Navy and Marine pilots often referred to the F2H as the "Banjo".<ref name=Proceedings>O'Rourke, G.G, CAPT USN. "Of Hosenoses, Stoofs, and Lefthanded Spads". ''United States Naval Institute Proceedings'', July 1968.</ref> It was one of the primary American fighters used during the [[Korean War]], typically being flown as an escort fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. Radar-equipped Banshees were also used for all-weather fleet defense. Furthermore, during 1955, 27 overflights of potential Chinese staging areas were conducted by USMC Banshees in response to a possible Chinese invasion of [[Taiwan]].

During the mid 1950s, the U.S. Navy and USMC began retiring their Banshees in favour of newer and more capable jet aircraft, such as the swept wing [[Grumman F-9 Cougar]] and [[McDonnell F3H Demon]], and the delta wing [[Douglas F4D Skyray]]. Several of these aircraft would be acquired by Canada for the Royal Canadian Navy as production of the Banshee was terminated in 1953. Introduced to Canadian service in 1955, the type became the sole fighter operated following the retirement of the piston-engined [[Hawker Sea Fury]]. It operated at sea from {{HMCS|Bonaventure|CVL 22|6}} or from shore bases as [[NORAD]] [[interceptor aircraft]]. Amid a reorientation towards [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) and reduced value being placed on fighter operations, as well as decreasing reliability, Canada opted to withdraw its last Banshees without any direct replacement in September 1962.

==Design and development==
===Background===
[[File:XF2D-1 NAN8-47.jpg|thumb|XF2D-1, later XF2H-1 in 1947]]

The origins of the Banshee can be traced back to the [[McDonnell FH Phantom|FH Phantom]], the [[United States Navy]]'s first carrier-based jet fighter.<ref name = "Burgess 9">Burgess 2022, p. 9.</ref> This predecessor had been first proposed by McDonnell in January 1943 and made its first flight on 2 January 1945. Even prior to production-standard Phantoms commencing delivery in January 1947, the company had already progressed with development of a successor.<ref name = "Burgess 1011">Burgess 2022, pp. 10-11.</ref> On 2 March 1945, the U.S. Navy's [[Bureau of Aeronautics]] instructed McDonnell to produce three prototypes of the improved derivative they had envisioned, designated ''XF2D-1''. The company's design team had originally intended for this aircraft to be a straightforward modification of the Phantom and thus to share many components between the two aircraft, but it promptly became clear that the new aircraft ought to possess heavier armament, greater internal fuel capacity, and several other improvements that made the original concept infeasible.<ref name=mesko10>Mesko 2002, p. 10.</ref><ref name = "Burgess 11">Burgess 2022, p. 11.</ref>

The resulting aircraft required the use of much larger and more powerful engines; the powerplant selected was a pair of newly developed [[Westinghouse J34]] [[turbojet]]s, which provided nearly double the total thrust from {{cvt|3200|to|6000|lbf}} compared to the Phantom but, since the larger engines still had to fit within the wing roots, this required a larger and thicker wing.<ref name = "Burgess 11"/> The more powerful engines were more fuel hungry, thus the fuselage was enlarged and strengthened to facilitate an increase in fuel capacity, which permitted a mission radius of up to 600 miles to be flown. No provisions for external stores were present on early production aircraft.<ref name = "Burgess 11"/>

Armament comprised four [[Colt Mk 12 cannon|{{cvt|20|mm|2}} cannon]], the U.S. Navy's successor to the obsolete [[World War II]]-era [[M2 Browning|{{cvt|.50|in|1}} machine guns]]; these were mounted underneath the redesigned nose as this positioning meant that pilots would not be blinded by [[muzzle flash]] when firing at night, which had been a problem with the Phantom.<ref name = "Burgess 11"/> From the tenth production aircraft onwards, the Banshee incorporated an [[ejection seat]], another feature that had been absent on the Phantom.<ref name = "Burgess 11"/> The aircraft also incorporated a large number of improvements to various onboard systems. The cockpit was [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] and [[air conditioning|air conditioned]], while the [[flap (aircraft)|flaps]], [[landing gear]], [[folding wing]]s, canopy, and [[air brake (aircraft)|air brakes]] were electrically rather than [[pneumatics|pneumatically]] operated. The front of the windscreen was [[bulletproof glass]] that was electrically heated to prevent frost.<ref name=mills227>Mills 1991, p. 227.</ref>

The Banshee was provisioned with a "kneeling" nose [[landing gear]] that had a pair of small wheels forward of the regular nosewheel. The regular nosewheel could be retracted so that the aircraft would rest on the smaller wheels; it could taxi with its nose down, redirecting the hot jet blast upwards to pose less risk to ground crews, and to allow parked aircraft to be tucked under each other to save space. This function was usually removed from later variants as it was found to be of little practical use and caused deck handling problems.<ref name=mesko12>Mesko 2002, p. 12.</ref> During April 1945, a mockup was completed. The project survived the numerous cancellations that came around the end of the conflict, however, the pace of development was slowed considerably, leading to the first of three prototypes not being completed until late 1946.<ref name=francillon427>Francillon 1979, pp. 427–429.</ref>

===Into flight===
On 11 January 1947, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]] from [[Lambert-St. Louis International Airport|Lambert Field]], [[St. Louis, Missouri]], piloted by McDonnell test pilot Robert M. Eldholm.<ref name = "Burgess 11"/> During this first test flight, the aircraft demonstrated a climb rate of {{cvt|9000|ft/min}}, twice that of the [[Grumman F8F Bearcat|F8F Bearcat]], the Navy's primary fleet defense [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]].<ref name=mills227/> The flight test programme, which included carrier trials, was considered to be a success, however, various improvements and refinements to the aircraft were suggested. The U.S. Navy also permitted McDonnell to borrow one of the prototypes to assist in the development of [[afterburner]]s and to test fly a modified wing design with an extended [[trailing edge]].<ref name = "Burgess 11"/>

During 1947, the prototype was redesignated ''XF2H-1'' after the Navy placed an order for an unrelated jet fighter from the [[Douglas Aircraft Company]], which had previously been assigned the manufacturer's letter ''D''. An initial order for 56 aircraft was issued by the U.S. Navy on 29 May 1947.<ref name=francillonp427>Francillon 1979, p. 427.</ref><ref name = "Burgess 11"/> During August 1949, an F2H-1 set a US Navy jet fighter altitude record of {{cvt|52,000|ft|m}}, but it wasn't enough to beat the {{cvt|59,430|ft|m}} reached by a [[de Havilland Vampire]] on 23 March 1948.<ref name=Ginterp3/> This altitude record was motivated at least partially by inter-service rivalries, as the feat proved that the [[Convair B-36 Peacemaker]] [[strategic bomber]]s of the [[United States Air Force]] (the existence of which had been a factor in the cancellation of the {{USS|United States|CVA-58|6}}, which would have been the U.S. Navy's first "[[supercarrier]]") was vulnerable to interceptor aircraft even at its maximum altitude.<ref name = "Burgess 1112">Burgess 2022, pp. 11-12.</ref><ref name="Barlow 42">Barlow 1994, p. 42.</ref><ref name="wolk 163">Wolk 2003, p. 163.</ref>
[[File:McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee NACA 1951 (cropped).jpg|thumb|''F2H-1'' early in its career while still undergoing testing]]

During August 1948, similarities to the FH-1 meant that McDonnell was able to complete the first ''F2H-1'', a mere three months after the last FH-1 was built; service evaluations commenced that same month<ref name=wagner>Wagner 1982, p. 504.</ref><ref name = "Burgess 11"/> Compared to the XF2D-1, the F2H was a larger aircraft in practically all aspects,<ref name=Characteristics >F2H-2 Standard Aircraft Characteristics chart dated 1 November 1949.</ref> while the fuel capacity was increased to {{cvt|877|usgal}}. The [[empennage]] was a new design, the dorsal fin was reduced, and the [[dihedral (aircraft)|dihedral]] was eliminated from the horizontal stabilizers. The wing and tail were reduced in thickness to increase the critical Mach number and different airfoil sections were used. The F2H-1 was retrofitted with {{cvt|3150|lbf}} engines as they became available.

[[File:McDonnell F2H-2B Banshee nuclear capable fighter-bomber.jpg|thumb|F2H-2B with extra pylon near intake for carrying a nuclear bomb]]
[[File:F2H-2N VC-4 on USS FD Roosevelt (CVB-42) 1950 (cropped).jpg|thumb|F2H-2N night fighter]]
[[File:F2H-2P of VFP-61 landing on USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) c1957.jpg|thumb|F2H-2P with extended camera nose, post-1955]]

Although the Navy was satisfied with the F2H-1, it was the more capable ''F2H-2'' that was most widely used.<ref name = "Burgess 12">Burgess 2022, p. 12.</ref> Powered by Westinghouse J34-WE-34 engines, capable of producing {{cvt|3250|lbf}} of thrust, it proved to be capable of significantly improved performance. The wings were strengthened to add provision for {{cvt|200|usgal}} [[Aircraft_fuel_tank#Tip_tanks|wingtip fuel tanks]] but, unlike those of the contemporary [[Grumman F9F Panther]], the Banshee's wingtip tanks were detachable. A pair of armament pylons were added under each inboard and outboard wing, for a total of eight, allowing the aircraft to carry {{cvt|1580|lb}} of stores, consisting of up to four {{cvt|250|lb}} bombs and four {{cvt|5|in}} unguided rockets.<ref name=Characteristics /><ref name = "Burgess 12"/> The "kneeling" nose gear was omitted from the F2H-2 and most subsequent Banshee variants.<ref name=mesko12/>

===Further development===
The F2H-2 was the basis for three sub-variants. The ''F2H-2B'' had strengthened wings and an additional pylon adjacent to the intake on the port side to allow it to carry a {{cvt|1650|lb}} [[Mark 7 nuclear bomb]] or a {{cvt|3230|lb}} [[Mark 8 nuclear bomb]].<ref name=mesko22>Mesko 2002, p. 22.</ref><ref name = "Burgess 7"/> To compensate for the increased load, the F2H-2B was fitted with stiffer landing gear struts and a pilot-switchable [[aileron]] power boost.<ref name=mills229>Mills 1991, p. 229.</ref> The latter was necessary to control the roll to the left when a heavy nuclear bomb was carried. One cannon was removed to provide room for the electronics needed to arm the weapon.<ref name=mills238>Mills 1991, p. 238.</ref> 25 F2H-2Bs were built.<ref name=Ginterp3>Ginter 1980, p. 3.</ref>

The ''F2H-2N'' was the U.S. Navy's first carrier-based jet [[night fighter]], making its first flight on 3 February 1950, although only 14 would be built.<ref name=Ginterp3/><ref name = "Burgess 7"/> It had a {{cvt|2|ft|10|in}} longer nose that housed a [[Sperry Corporation]] [[AN/APS-19]] [[radar]] which required that the cannons be moved back to make room. An F2H-2N was returned to McDonnell to serve as the prototype for the enlarged F2H-3.<ref name=mesko22/> Some F2H-2Ns retained the "kneeling" nose feature of the earlier F2H-1.<ref>Mills 1991, p. 228.</ref>

The ''F2H-2P'' [[aerial reconnaissance|photo reconnaissance]] version had six cameras in a {{cvt|2|ft|5|in}} longer nose and was the US Navy's first jet-powered carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft. First flight was on 12 October 1950, and 90 were built.<ref name=Ginterp6/> The pilot could rotate the cameras in both vertical and horizontal planes, and the aircraft could carry a pair of underwing pods that each contained 20 [[Flash (photography)|flash cartridges]] for night photography. The camera bay was electrically heated.<ref>Mesko 2002, p. 27.</ref> The F2H-2P was a valuable photo-reconnaissance asset due to its long [[Range (aircraft)|range]] for a jet aircraft, high ceiling of {{cvt|48500|ft}}, and  [[Airspeed|speed]] that made it difficult to intercept even by other jet aircraft.<ref name=USNI>Polmar 2010, pp. 12–14.</ref> As a result, the F2H-2P was responsible for supplying roughly 40% of the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) [[Fifth Air Force]]'s daytime reconnaissance needs.<ref name=Ginterp12>Ginter 1980, p. 12.</ref>

[[File:McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee showing larger radar and repositioned guns.jpg|thumb|F2H-3 with larger radar and repositioned guns and tailplane]]

The ''F2H-3'' was an all-weather fighter, with a larger diameter [[Westinghouse Electric Corporation|Westinghouse]] [[AN/APQ-41]] radar fitted in an {{cvt|8|ft|0|in}} longer fuselage which also increased its internal fuel load by over 50%,<ref name=Ginterp6/> to {{cvt|1102|usgal}}. This allowed the detachable wingtip fuel tanks to be reduced to {{cvt|170|usgal}} each, and due to the increased internal capacity, these were now seldom needed. The cannons were moved back, away from the nose to accommodate the larger diameter radar while allowing for an increased ammunition capacity. The horizontal stabilizers were lowered from the fin to the fuselage and were given dihedral, and on all but the first aircraft, large triangular fillets were added to the leading edges.<ref name=Ginterp6>Ginter 1980, p. 6.</ref> The weapons load was increased to {{cvt|3000|lb}} and [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] air-to-air missiles would be cleared for use.<ref name=Ginterp6/><ref name = "Burgess 8">Burgess 2022, p. 8.</ref> The F2H-3 also added provisions for [[aerial refueling]] consisting of as-needed bolt-on, [[in-flight refueling]] probe that replaced the upper port cannon. 250 were built, with the first flight being made on March 29 1952.<ref name=Ginterp6/> 

The final variant to be produced was the ''F2H-4''. It had a [[Hughes Electronics|Hughes]] [[AN/APG-37]] radar and slightly more powerful Westinghouse J34-WE-38 {{cvt|3600|lbf}} engines that increased the aircraft's service ceiling to {{cvt|56000|ft|m}}.<ref name=mesko46>Mesko 2002, p. 46.</ref><ref name=Ginterp6/> The F2H-4 was externally indistinguishable from the F2H-3.

McDonnell also created at least 48 proposals, including a long range escort fighter (''Model 24H''), a two-seat night fighter (''Model 24N''), a two-seat trainer (''Model 24P''), a two seat interceptor (''Model 24Q''), several single seat interceptors (''models 24R & 24S''), multiple variants with lengthened fuselages, alternate wings and tails, swept wings (''model 24J'', and others) and afterburners (''model 24K, 24L'' and others), and various engine (''model 24W'', and others) and radar installations (''model 24Y'', and others), few of which were built. Plans for adding [[afterburner]]s were canceled after a test aircraft suffered extensive damage to the wing and tail after the afterburners were lit.<ref>Mills 1991, p. 230.</ref> An ''F2H-3P'' reconnaissance variant was proposed to replace the F2H-2P, but was ultimately not built.<ref name=Ginterp6/>

On 24 September 1953, production of the Banshee was ended following the delivery of 895 aircraft.<ref name=francillon427/> Under the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system|1962 unified designation system]] surviving F2H-3 and F2H-4 were redesignated ''F-2C'' and ''F-2D'' respectively.  The ''F-2A'' and ''F-2B'' designations were never assigned, as the F2H-1 and F2H-2 had already been retired.<ref>{{Cite web |title=McDonnell F2H-3/F-2C Banshee |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_fighters/f2_3.html |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.joebaugher.com}}</ref> No Banshee flew under the new designations as the last examples were already in storage when the new designations came into effect.{{cn|date=April 2021}}

==Operational history==
===US Navy and Marine Corps===
[[File:USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway at sea on 30 June 1955 (NNAM.1996.488.120.026).jpg|thumb|Banshees on {{USS|Coral Sea|CV-43|6}} in 1955]]
[[File:G479814 (16868286209) (cropped).jpg|thumb|F2H making a bombing run over Korea]]
The F2H-2 served during the [[Korean War]] with the US Navy's [[Task Force 77 (U.S. Navy)|Task Force 77]] and the Marine Corps. On 23 August 1951, a Banshee flew the type's first combat mission in the Korean theatre from [[USS Essex (CV-9)|USS Essex]].<ref name = "Burgess 6">Burgess 2022, p. 6.</ref> The F2H-2 initially proved its worth as an escort fighter for the USAF bombers supporting [[United Nations Command]] (UNC) ground forces, largely due to its favourable performance when flown at high altitude.{{cn|date=February 2021}} The Banshee was able to demonstrate clear performance advantages over the [[Grumman F9F Panther]].<ref name = "Burgess 7">Burgess 2022, p. 7.</ref> 

From mid-1950, the F2H-2 had negligible exposure to hostile aircraft over Korea, due to several factors. During the opening weeks of the war, the [[Korean People's Army Air Force|North Korean air force]] had been almost completely annihilated by UNC fighter units. Later, North Korea and its allies were unable to operate from airfields near combat zones in South Korea, forcing them to operate out of air bases in [[China]]. As a result of their air superiority throughout most of 1950, UNC squadrons were able to carry out ground attack missions instead, especially [[close air support]] and interdiction of [[Korean People's Army|North Korean army]] supply lines.<ref name=jackson1998>Jackson 1998, p. unk.</ref>

The Banshee, like most naval jets of its generation, had a serious handicap. Naval air services, including the USN, had resisted faster, [[swept wing]] designs from fears that poor low speed flight characteristics made them unsafe to operate from [[aircraft carrier]]s. Consequently, the Banshee was almost {{cvt|100|mph}} slower than the latest land-based fighters. Their obsolescence was reinforced by the introduction  of the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]] in November 1950. Most UNC [[Aerial warfare|air combat]] missions, such as patrols over "[[MiG Alley]]", were undertaken by [[North American F-86 Sabre]]s of the USAF [[Far East Air Forces]].<ref name=jackson1998/> Consequently, F2H fighters operated most of the war beyond the range of enemy fighters.<ref name=jackson1998/> Banshee pilots scored no victories, while three F2H-2s were lost to [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]] gunfire.{{cn|date=February 2021}}

The F2H-2P flew reconnaissance missions during the Korean War, primarily with the USMC. At that time of the war, [[surface-to-air missile]]s had not yet been deployed and few enemy aircraft had [[radar]], while [[Anti-aircraft warfare|AA]] guns were ineffective against fast, high-altitude targets. Air defense was still largely visual, and so a lone high-flying F2H-2P was almost impossible for ground forces to shoot down. The aircraft was in demand for its invaluable battlefield photography. F2H-2Ps had USAF fighter escorts when in areas frequented by enemy fighters. Despite being deployed constantly throughout the war, only two F2H-2Ps were lost to radar-directed AA gunfire, and suffered no air-to-air losses.

The USN deployed the radar-equipped F2H-3 and F2H-4 for all-weather fleet defense after the Korean War as a stopgap measure until the swept wing [[Grumman F-9 Cougar]] and [[McDonnell F3H Demon]], and delta wing [[Douglas F4D Skyray]] could be deployed. Later Banshee variants were only briefly on the front lines and saw no action. Similarly, the F2H-2P was superseded by the F9F-8P (later RF-9J) variant of the F9F Cougar and the F8U-1P (later RF-8A) variant of the [[Vought F-8 Crusader|Vought F8U Crusader]] as these aircraft became available.

During 1954, a Banshee flew coast-to-coast, nonstop without refueling, approximately {{convert|1,900|mi}} from [[Los Alamitos AAF|NAS Los Alamitos]], California to [[NAS Cecil Field]], Florida, in approximately four hours.<ref name=USNI/>

During the Korean War, the US was concerned about the lack of intelligence available should there be a war in Europe involving the Soviet Union, in particular on the location of airfields. The US Navy's "Operation [[Steve Brodie (bridge jumper)|Steve Brody]]", with four F2H-2P photo reconnaissance Banshees were to fly from a carrier on routine maneuvers off Greece and fly north, photographing Russian territory bordering the Black Sea. In May 1952, this was presented to Secretary of Defense [[Robert A. Lovett]], but Lovett canceled it.<ref name=USNI/>

Later, during 1955, fears of a possible Chinese invasion of [[Taiwan]] led to Marine F2H-2Ps performing 27 overflights of possible Chinese staging areas without incident, escorted by Marine fighter Banshees based in South Korea.<ref name=USNI/>

===Royal Canadian Navy===
[[File:Flight of three Royal Canadian Navy McDonnell Banshee fighters.jpg|thumb|Three Royal Canadian Navy McDonnell Banshee fighters in flight]]
[[File:McDonnell F2H-3 Banshees in flight over HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22), in the late 1950s.jpg|thumb|RCN Banshees overfly {{HMCS|Bonaventure|CVL 22|6}}.]]

During 1951, the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (RCN) drafted a $40 million deal for 60 new Banshees to replace its obsolete fleet of [[Hawker Sea Fury|Hawker Sea Furies]].<ref name=Ireland232>Ireland, 2008, p. 232.</ref><ref>Mackay 1991, p. 28.</ref> However, the purchase was not approved by the [[Parliament of Canada]] until 1953, by which point production of the Banshee had been terminated. Accordingly, the RCN acquired 39 second-hand US Navy F2H-3s for $25 million which were delivered between 1955 and 1958. They would be flown from {{HMCS|Bonaventure|CVL 22|6}} or as [[NORAD]] interceptors from shore bases.

In order to improve the Banshee as an interceptor, the RCN equipped their aircraft with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. During November 1959, the RCN conducted sea trials of the Sidewinder, resulting in the successful downing of several remotely piloted [[drone aircraft|drones]].<ref name=cook>Cook, D. Glenn. [http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/pdf/McDonnell_F2H-3_Banshee_126464.PDF "Aircraft on display: McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee 126464".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309172453/http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/pdf/McDonnell_F2H-3_Banshee_126464.PDF |date=2008-03-09 }} ''Canada Aviation and Space Museum'', 2009. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.</ref>

Although initially well-liked by its Canadian pilots for its flying qualities, the Banshee began to suffer from problems. The RCN would eventually lose 12 of its original 39 Banshees to accidents, a loss rate of 30.8%.<ref name=cook/> One Banshee and its pilot were lost after an inflight failure of the folding wing mechanism, and another Banshee suffered a brake failure and rolled off the carrier's deck into the ocean, drowning its pilot.<ref name=snowie>Snowie 1987, p. unk.</ref> 

Banshee utilization fell as the RCN shifted to [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), which did not anticipate aerial attacks, and so there was little need for the Banshee under this doctrine. Also, due to the carrier's small size, there was no room to accommodate Banshees when ''Bonaventure'' was carrying enough [[Grumman CS2F Tracker]]s to conduct around-the-clock ASW patrols, so it regularly operated without them.<ref name=snowie/> The Canadian military was also under pressure to reduce its budget, and the obsolescent Banshees were expensive to maintain as their age, punishing carrier service, and the harsh North [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] were taking their toll. Having been the only jet-powered carrier-based fighters deployed by the RCN, the last examples were retired without replacement during September 1962.<ref>Snowie 1987, pp. 152-155.</ref>

Banshees were the primary aircraft of the short-lived RCN [[Grey Ghosts]] aerobatic team. The team's name was a play on the Banshee name and the RCN color scheme. The RCN was too small to dedicate aircraft for [[airshow]]s, so the team flew available operational Banshees for each show.

Aside from the three former RCN Banshees that survive, RCN Banshees were cut up for scrap or burned in firefighting exercises upon their retirement.<ref name=cook/>

==Variants==
[[File:F2H-2N VC-4 on USS FD Roosevelt (CVB-42) 1950.jpg|thumb|VC-4 made a single deployment with F2H-2N night fighters aboard [[USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42)|''Franklin D. Roosevelt'']] in 1951.]]

;XF2H-1
:Company designation '''Model 24B''', originally designated '''XF2D-1'''.  Prototype aircraft, three built.<ref name=andrade186>Andrade 1979, p. 186.</ref><ref name=andrade189>Andrade 1979, p. 189.</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=http://aviationarchives.net/McDonnell%20Project%20Numbers%20Lists.pdf |title=McDonnell Model Numbers |date=July 1, 1974 |publisher=[[McDonnell Douglas]] |pages=5–7}}</ref>
;F2H-1
:Single-seat fighter version, two 3,000&nbsp;lbf (1,400&nbsp;kgf) Westinghouse J34-WE-22 turbojet engines. Initial production version, 56 built.<ref name=francillon427/><ref name=andrade189 />
;XF2H-2
:Company designation '''Model 24K''', proposed swept-wing variant with [[afterburner]]s.  Unrelated to the production F2H-2.<ref name=":0" />
;F2H-2
:Improved version with detachable wingtip fuel tanks, eight underwing weapons pylons for 1,580&nbsp;lb (454&nbsp;kg) stores capability, 3,250&nbsp;lbf (1,475&nbsp;kgf) Westinghouse J34-WE-34 turbojet engines. Second production version, 308 built.<ref name=francillon427/>
;F2H-2B
:Single-seat fighter-bomber version, strengthened portside weapons pylon for 3,230&nbsp;lb (1,465&nbsp;kg) Mark 8 nuclear bomb, 25 built.<ref name=francillon427/>
;F2H-2N
:Single-seat night fighter version with APS-19 radar housed in lengthened nose, 14 built.<ref name=francillon427/>
;Model 24AN
:A single F2H-2N ([[Bureau Number|BuNo]] 123311) modified with a fuselage extension as an aerodynamic prototype for an [[all-weather fighter]] variant.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy Serial Number Search Results: BuNo 123311 |url=http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzNavySearch.pl?target=123311&series=3 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=cgibin.rcn.com}}</ref>
;F2H-2P
:Single-seat photo-reconnaissance version with lengthened nose housing six cameras, 89 built.<ref name=francillon427/><ref name=mesko22/><ref name=mills229/>
;XF2H-3
:Company designation '''Model 24L''', proposed swept-wing variant with afterburners.  Unrelated to the production F2H-3.<ref name=":0" />
;F2H-3
:Company designation '''Model 24AR''', single-seat all-weather fighter version, lengthened fuselage, redesigned tail, increased fuel capacity, eight underwing weapons pylons for 3,000&nbsp;lb (1,361&nbsp;kg) bomb load, APQ-41 radar in enlarged nose. 250 built.<ref name=francillon427/><ref name=mesko22/><ref name=mills229/><ref name=":0" /> Redesignated as '''F-2C''' in 1962.
;F2H-3P
:Proposed photo-reconnaissance version of the F2H-3; not built.<ref name=andrade190>Andrade 1979, p. 190.</ref>
;XF2H-4
:Company designation '''Model 24M''', proposed swept-wing variant without afterburners.  Unrelated to the production F2H-4.<ref name=":0" />
;F2H-4
:Improved all-weather fighter version, {{cvt|3600|lbf}} thrust Westinghouse J34-WE-38 turbojet engines, APG-37 radar, otherwise similar to F2H-3. Final production version, 150 built.<ref name=francillon427/><ref name=mesko22/><ref name=mills229/> Redesignated as '''F-2D''' in 1962.
;XF2H-5
:Unofficial designation for unbuilt proposed swept-wing version with wings, tail and afterburners similar to those of the [[XF-88 Voodoo]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>Thomason 2007, p. 128.</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Royal Canadian Navy McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee in flight, 1957.jpg|thumb|RCN Banshee banking, showing enlarged horizontal tail with extensions characteristic of the F2H-3 and -4]]
[[File:McDonnell F2H-3 landing CVA-42 1958.jpg|thumb|[[VF-171]] F2H-3 landing on {{USS|Franklin D. Roosevelt|CV-42|6}}]]

;{{flag|Canada|1921}}
* [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (F2H-3)
** [[870 Naval Air Squadron]]
** [[871 Naval Air Squadron]]
** VX-10 (Test Squadron)

;{{USA}}
* [[United States Navy]]
** VX-3 (Evaluation) (F2H-1, F2H-4)
** [[VF-11]] (F2H-2, F2H-4)
** [[Attack Squadron 12 (United States Navy)|VF-12]] (F2H-2)
** [[VF-22]] (F2H-2, F2H-4)
** [[VFA-151|VF-23]] (F2H-3)
** [[VFA-31|VF-31]] (F2H-3)
** [[VFA-41|VF-41]] (F2H-3)
** [[VF-52]] (F2H-3)
** [[VA-106 (U.S. Navy)|VF-62]] (F2H-2, F2H-2P)
** [[Fighter Squadron 92|VF-92]] (F2H-3, F2H-4)<ref>[http://www.vf-92.com/#fantom "VF-92 Silverkings".], ''Squadron History'', 2005. Retrieved: 24 October 2009.</ref>
** [[VF-101]] (F2H-1, F2H-2B)
** [[VF-114]] (F2H-3)
** [[VF-53|VF-141]] (F2H-3)
** [[VA-152 (U.S. Navy)|VF-152]] (F2H-3)<ref name=skyhawk2>[http://www.skyhawk.org/3e/va152/va152.htm#fantom "Skyhawk Association Home Page".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321071803/http://www.skyhawk.org/3e/va152/va152.htm |date=2008-03-21 }}  ''U.S.A. Navy A-4 Skyhawk Units, VA-152 Fighting Aces'', 2009. Retrieved: 24 October 2009.</ref>
** [[VF-171]] (F2H-1, F2H-2)[[File:F2H on USSEssex elevator1951.jpeg|thumb|VF-172 F2H-2 on {{USS|Essex|CV-9|6}} off Korea, 1951]]
** [[VA-172 (U.S. Navy)|VF-172]] (F2H-1, F2H-2, F2H-2B, F2H-4)<ref name=skyhawk1>[http://www.skyhawk.org/3e/va172/va172.htm#fantom "Skyhawk Association Home Page".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321071808/http://www.skyhawk.org/3e/va172/va172.htm |date=2008-03-21 }}  ''U.S.A. Navy A-4 Skyhawk Units, VA-172 Blue Bolts'', 2009. Retrieved: 24 October 2009.</ref>
** [[VFA-213|VF-213]] (F2H-3)
** [[VC-3 (military)|VC-3]] (F2H-3)
** [[VF(AW)-4|VC-4]] (F2H-2B, F2H-2N,<ref name=mesko22/> F2H-3, F2H-4)
** [[VFP-63|VC-61]] (F2H-2P)
** [[VFP-62|VC-62]] (F2H-2P)
[[File:McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee 01.JPG|thumb|RCN Banshee at [[Canada Aviation and Space Museum]] ]]
* [[United States Marine Corps Aviation]]<ref name=USMC>[http://www.flyingleathernecks.org/jets2.html#fantom "McDonnell F2H-2 'Banshee'".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108204025/http://www.flyingleathernecks.org/jets2.html |date=2007-11-08 }}  ''Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum'', 2008. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.</ref>
** [[VMF-114]]
** [[VMF-122]] (F2H-2)
** [[VMF-214]] (F2H-4)
** [[VMFA(AW)-224|VMF-224]] (F2H-2)
** [[VMF(N)-533]] (F2H-4)
** [[VMAQ-1|VMJ-1]] (F2H-2P)
** [[VMAQ-2|VMJ-2]]  (F2H-2P)

==Aircraft on display==
Surviving examples are on display in private collections and at several naval air stations and marine corps air stations in the United States as well as in Canada.

===Canada===
;F2H-3
* BuNo 126334 – [[The Military Museums]], in [[Calgary|Calgary, Alberta]].<ref>[http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=106662 "F2H Banshee/126334."] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 8 April 2015.</ref>
* BuNo 126402 – [[Shearwater Aviation Museum]] in [[Shearwater, Nova Scotia]].<ref>[http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm "F2H Banshee/126402."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013223819/http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm |date=2006-10-13 }} ''Shearwater Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 29 October 2012.</ref>
* BuNo 126464 – [[Canada Aviation and Space Museum]] in [[Ottawa|Ottawa, Ontario]].<ref>[http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/McDonnellF2H-3Banshee/ "F2H Banshee/126464."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016234923/http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/McDonnellF2H-3Banshee/ |date=2013-10-16 }} ''Canada Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 29 October 2012.</ref>

===United States===
[[File:Museum Marines aeq.jpg|thumb|F2H-2P at the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]] ]]

;F2H-2
* BuNo 124988 – [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]], [[MCAS Miramar]], [[California]].<ref>[http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F2H Banshee/124988."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185627/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |date=2017-10-11 }} ''Flying Letherneck Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
* BuNo 125052 – [[USS Lexington (CV-16)|USS Lexington Museum]], [[Corpus Christi, Texas]].<ref>[http://usslexington.com/aircraft/f2h-2-banshee/ "F2H Banshee/125052."] ''USS Lexington Museum.'' Retrieved: 29 October 2012.</ref>
* BuNo 127693 – [[NAS Oceana]] Air Park at [[NAS Oceana]], [[Virginia]].<ref>[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=4036 "F2H Banshee/127693."] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>

;F2H-2P
* BuNo 125690 – [[Pima Air & Space Museum]], adjacent to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>[http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/mcdonnell-f2h-2p-banshee "F2H Banshee/125690"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522195642/http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/mcdonnell-f2h-2p-banshee |date=2014-05-22 }} ''Pima Air & Space Museum'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
* BuNo 126673 – [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Florida]].<ref>[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f2h-2p_banshee "F2H Banshee/126673."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318092842/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f2h-2p_banshee |date=2015-03-18 }} ''National Naval Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
* BuNo 128885 – Howell Park in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]].<ref>[http://aerialvisuals.ca/LocationDossier.php?Serial=4565 "F2H Banshee/128885."] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 8 April 2015.</ref>

;F2H-4
* BuNo 127663 – [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Florida]]. Painted as F2H-3 126419.<ref>[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f2h-4_banshee "F2H Banshee/126419."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080227/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f2h-4_banshee |date=2017-02-11 }} ''National Naval Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>

==Specifications (F2H-3)==
[[File:McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920'',<ref name=Francillonp432>Francillon 1979, p. 432.</ref> ''Combat Aircraft since 1945'',<ref>Wilson 2000, p. 90.</ref> ''U.S. Navy Standard Aircraft Characteristics'',<ref name=AircraftCharacteristics>Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F2H-3,-4 Banshee 1951.</ref> except as noted
|prime units?= imp
<!--
        General characteristics-->
|crew= 1
|length m=
|length ft= 48
|length in= 2
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft= 41
|span in= 9
|span note=
|height m=
|height ft= 14
|height in= 6
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft= 294
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=[[wing root]]: [[NACA airfoil#Five-digit series|NACA 65-212]], [[wing tip]]: NACA 65-209<ref name=IncompleteGuide>{{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://mselig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 1 March 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb= 13,183
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb= 21,013
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb= 25,214
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 name= [[Westinghouse J34-WE-34]]
|eng1 type= [[turbojet]] engines
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf= 3,250
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph= 580
|max speed kts=
|max speed note= at sea level
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph= 461
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi= 1,015
|combat range note= on internal fuel
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi= 1,490
|ferry range note= with two 170-gal drop tanks
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft= 47,000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin= 6,000
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|armament=
* 4 × {{cvt|20|mm|3}} [[Colt Mk 12 cannon]], 220 rounds/gun (upper pair), 250 rounds/gun (lower pair)<ref>Mesko 2002, p. 37.</ref>
* 8 × {{cvt|60|lb}} High Explosive rockets 
::or
* 6 × {{cvt|500|lb}} bombs and 2 × {{cvt|60|lb}} H.E. rockets
::or
* 2 × [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] missiles (Both in US Navy & [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (RCN) service)

|avionics=
* [[List of military electronics of the United States#AN/APG-30|AN/APG-30]] – [[Fire-control radar]]
* AN/APG-36 or AN/APG-37 – Search [[radar]]
* AN/APG-51 – [[Aircraft interception radar|Intercept radar]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States#AN/APN-1|AN/APN-1]] – [[UHF]] [[radar altimeter]]
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[McDonnell FH Phantom]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[de Havilland Sea Venom]]
* [[Grumman F9F Panther]]
* [[Hawker Sea Hawk]]
* [[Supermarine Attacker]]
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of carrier-based aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962)]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last = Andrade |first = John |title = U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909 |publisher = Midland Counties Publications |date = 1979 |isbn = 0-904597-22-9}}
* {{cite journal |last1 = Bedford |first1 = Alan |title = Early American Carrier Jets: Evolving Jet Operations with the US Fleet, Part Three |journal = Air Enthusiast |date = September–October 1999 |issue = 83 |pages = 62–67 |issn = 0143-5450}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Barlow |first1 = Jeffrey G. |title = Revolt of the Admirals: The Fight for Naval Aviation, 1945–1950 |date = 1994 |publisher = Naval Historical Center, Dept. of the Navy |location = Washington, D. C., USA |isbn = 0-16-042094-6}}
* Baugher, Joe. [http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_fighters/f2_1.html "McDonnell F2D-1/F2H-1 Banshee."] ''Joe Baugher's Encyclopedia of American Military Aircraft'', 3 September 2003. Retrieved: 23 January 2011.
* {{cite book |last = Burgess |first = Rick |title = F2H Banshee Units |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3HxtEAAAQBAJ |publisher = Bloomsbury Publishing |year = 2022 |isbn = 978-1-47284-619-8}}
* {{cite book |last = Francillon |first = René J. |title = McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920 |location = London, UK |publisher = Putnam |date = 1979 |isbn = 0-370-00050-1}}
* {{cite book |last = Ginter |first = Steve |title = McDonnell Banshee F2H-1, -2, -B, -N, -P, -3, -4 |series = Naval Fighters No. Two |publisher = Ginter |year = 1980 |asin = B000UFNZ8E}}
* {{cite book |last = Ireland |first = Bernard |title = The Illustrated Guide to Aircraft Carriers of the World |publisher = Anness Publishing |location = London, UK |year = 2008 |orig-year = 2005 |isbn = 978-1-84477-747-1 |oclc=156616762}}
* {{cite book |last = Jackson |first = Robert |title = Air War Korea 1950–1953 |publisher = Airlife |location = Shrewsbury, UK |year = 1998 |isbn = 1-853108804}}
* [http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm "McDonnell Banshee."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013223819/http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm |date=2006-10-13 }} ''Shearwater Aviation Museum Aircraft History,'' 2009. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090513232230/http://www.navalmuseum.ab.ca/Aircraft/NavalAircraft.htm "McDonnell Banshee Serial Number 1263334."] ''Naval Museum of Alberta'', 2009. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.
* {{cite book |last = Mackay |first = Ron |title = Hawker Sea Fury in action |location = Carrollton, Texas |publisher = Squadron/Signal Publications |date = 1991 |isbn = 0-89747-267-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Mesko |first = Jim |title = FH Phantom/F2H Banshee in action |location = Carrollton, Texas, USA |publisher = Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc |date = 2002 |isbn = 0-89747-444-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Mills |first = Carl |title = Banshees in the Royal Canadian Navy |location = Willowdale, Ontario, Canada |publisher = Banshee Publication |date = 1991 |isbn = 0-9695200-0-X}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Polmar |first = Norman |title = Historical Aircraft – The Flying Banshee |url = https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2010/february/flying-banshee |magazine = Naval History Magazine |volume = 24 |number = 1 |date = February 2010}}
* [https://alternatewars.com/SAC/F2H-3_and_-4_SAC_-_1_May_1951.pdf ''Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F2H-3,-4 Banshee.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229042349/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F2H-3_and_-4_SAC_-_1_May_1951.pdf |date=2020-02-29 }} Washington, D.C.: United States Navy, 1 May 1951.
* {{cite book |last = Snowie |first = J. Allan |title = The Bonnie: HMCS Bonaventure |publisher = Boston Mills Press |location = Erin, Ontario |year = 1987 |isbn = 0-919783406}}
* {{cite book |last = Thomason |first = Tommy H. |title = U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of Shipborne Fighters 1943–1962 |location = North Branch, MN, US |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2007 |isbn = 978-1-58007-110-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Wagner |first = Ray |title = American Combat Planes |location = New York, US |publisher = Doubleday |edition = Third |date = 1982 |isbn = 0-385-13120-8}}
* {{cite book |last = Wilson |first = Stewart |title = Combat Aircraft since 1945 |location = Fyshwick, Australia |publisher = Aerospace Publications |date = 2000 |isbn = 1-875671-50-1}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Wolk |first1 = Herman S. |title = Fulcrum of Power: Essays on the United States Air Force and National Security |date = 2003 |publisher = Diane Publishing |location = Darby, PA, USA |isbn = 1-4289-9008-9}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{YouTube| LRRvd56n9Bg| "The Banshee (1948)"}}
* [http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm RCN Banshee 126402 at Shearwater Aviation Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013223819/http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/exhibits/banshee.htm |date=2006-10-13 }}

{{McDD aircraft}}
{{USN fighters}}
{{US fighters}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft|McDonnell F2H Banshee]]
[[Category:1940s United States fighter aircraft|McDonnell F2H Banshee]]
[[Category:McDonnell aircraft]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1947]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]