FH Phantom - Definition and Overview

McDonnell FH-1 Phantom.

The McDonnell FH-1 Phantom was a twin-engine jet fighter aircraft designed during World War II for the United States Navy. On July 21, 1946, a Phantom became the first combat jet aircraft to operate from an American aircraft carrier, the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.

General Characteristics

• First flight: Jan. 26, 1945
• Wingspan: 40 ft 9 in (12.4 m), wings folded: 16 ft 3 in (5 m)
• Length: 38 ft 9 in (11.8 m)
• Height: 14 ft 2 in (4.3 m)
• Weight: 4.5 metric tons
• Speed: 500 mph (800 km/h)
• Ceiling: 41,100 feet (12,500 m)
• Range: 695 miles (1300 km)
• Accommodation: One crew
• Armament: Four 22 mm cannons
• Power plant: Two 1,600 pound (7 kN) thrust Westinghouse J30-WE-20 turbojets

See also

• List of jet aircraft of World War II
• F-4 Phantom II