Description

Designed as a replacement for the U.S. Navy's F2H Banshee, the McDonnell F3H Demon fighter served with the fleet for nearly a decade, including during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although it could not fly at supersonic speeds, the Demon served admirably as an all-weather interceptor and flew alongside the F8U Crusader and F11F Tiger. Armed with up to four 20mm cannons, the aircraft could also fire Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles. Over 500 Demons were built. The planes were dubbed "The Chair" by pilots due to its high-visibility cockpit, but it was also called the "lead sled" due to its poor power to weight ratio. The Demon was replaced by the F-4 Phantom in 1964. Originally printed by McDonnell and the U.S. Navy, this F3H Demon Pilot's Flight Operating Instruction manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. Originally classified "Restricted", the manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form.