THE CHAIR: The F-3H Demon Was A Vital, But Sedate Part Of US Naval Aviation History

It is very easy to look at an aircraft's statistics and come away with the wrong impression. The McDonnell Demon was heavy and underpowered. It drank fuel like it was going out of fashion and its first iteration was a pilot killer.

But over time its friendly flying characteristics and effective radar and missile combination allowed US naval aviators to develop the tactics and techniques that they would eventually take to war in Vietnam. That is not to say, however, that the Demon taught them everything they needed to know...

Sources:

"McDonnell F3H Demon (Naval Fighters Series Vol 12)", by Steve Ginter is the only substantial volume on the Demon. It has good pilot stories but is light on developmental detail

"American Secret Projects 1: Fighters & Interceptors 1945-1978" by Tony Buttler is invaluable in understanding fighter competitions, and the Demon is no exception

"U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of U.S Shipborne Jet Fighters Phantom - Phantom 11 1943 - 1962" by the incomparable Tommy Thomason is essential reading for anyone interested in US Navy aviation. The chapter on the Demon is top notch