The McDonnell FH-1 Phantom was the first U.S. jet aircraft to take off from and land on an aircraft carrier, and subsequently it became the first U.S. jet fighter in operational service with both the Navy and Marine Corps. Its development during World War II was a major technological achievement that played a significant role in transforming U.S. aircraft at sea from piston power to jet propulsion.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
First U.S. Jet Aircraft to Take Off From and Land On an Aircraft Carrier
The McDonnell FH-1 Phantom's development during World War II was a major technological achievement that played a significant role in transforming U.S. aircraft at sea from piston power to jet propulsion.
1946
United States of America
CRAFT-Aircraft
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
First all-jet, aircraft carrier-based fighter plane. Single-seat, twin-engine (Westinghouse turbojets), retractable, electrically powered, tricycle landing gear.
3-D: 1135.4 × 431.8cm, 3007.8kg, 12.421m (37 ft. 3 in. × 14 ft. 2 in., 6631lb., 40 ft. 9 in.)
All-metal (aluminium alloy) construction with flush-riveted skin. Monocoque fuselage with cockpit forward of the leading edge of the wing.
McDonnell FH-1 Phantom I
A19600130000
Transferred from the United States Department of the Navy
National Air and Space Museum
Open Access (CCO)
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