McDonnell FH Phantom second prototype becomes the first jet-powered aircraft to fly from a US aircraft carrier after taking off and landing from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 21st 1946 The type only saw limited service but its name would live on with the F-4 Phantom II

Makes you wonder if they would have expedited production given that the main Honshu landings were scheduled for March 1946. Quite possibly could have seen Midway, FDR, and Coral Sea flying jets in support of the invasion. The things that make you go “hmmmm” 🤔

It was a respectable first jet from a company that never had a production contract for an original design until the Phantom. More experienced companies like NAA and Vought fell short with their initial naval jets.

Early jet afterburners wreaked havoc on the wooden deck.

62 were built Could not carry bombs Short range and light armament No ejection seat The speed and climb rate was close to the existing piston engine fighters The F9F Panther came out soon after and made this plane obsolete. It was mainly a test bed for carrier jet fighters.

Did it not star in the film bridges st toko ri?

Grumman F9F-2 Panther

The Phantom was a remarkable aircraft