McDonnell F2H-2P Banshee

The Banshee was developed as an enlarged version of the McDonnell FD-1 Phantom. The aircraft featured more powerful engines and greater armament than the earlier aircraft. The F2H-1 prototype first flew on January 11, 1947 and operational aircraft reached service in March 1949. By the end of 1949 the F2H-2 version of the aircraft was in service. It featured a longer fuselage and longer wings which allowed more fuel to be carried, increasing the plane's range. The F2H-3 and F2H-4 featured an even longer fuselage and more fuel as well as a search radar making them all-weather and night capable. The F2H-2 was also modified into a photo reconnaissance version with a lengthened nose housing several cameras. The Banshee was used extensively during the Korean War as both a fighter and a reconnaissance plane. Banshees were also sold to Canada and served in the Canadian Navy from 1955 until 1962. The last Banshees left the U.S. Navy's inventory in 1965.