McDonnell FH-1 Phantom — Primary-Source Documentation Collection

The McDonnell FH-1 Phantom (originally designated XFD-1) holds a defining place in naval aviation history as the United States Navy's first purely jet-powered carrier-borne fighter aircraft. Its maiden flight on 26 January 1945 marked the threshold between the piston era and the jet age aboard American carriers. This collection assembles the original factory and military technical publications that governed the aircraft's operation, maintenance, and powerplant overhaul.

Documents in This Collection

• AN 01-245FA-1 — Pilot's Handbook for Navy Model FH-1 Airplanes
  Dated 15 May 1949 / Revised 1 September 1949. Supersedes AN 01-245FA-1 dated 15 June 1948 / Revised 1 July 1948. Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics. Covers system checklists, emergency procedures, performance limits, and cockpit operating data.
• AN 02B-110AA-2 — Handbook of Service Instructions for Models J30-P-20 and J30-WE-20 Aircraft Engines
  Dated 15 June 1950 / Revised 1 March 1951. Supersedes AN 02B-110AA-2 dated 15 February 1950. Covers scheduled servicing, inspection intervals, and field-level maintenance procedures for the Westinghouse J30 axial-flow turbojet.
• AN 02B-110AA-3 — Handbook of Overhaul Instructions for Models J30-P-20 and J30-WE-20 Aircraft Engines
  Supersedes AN 02B-110AA-3 dated 15 July 1948 / Revised 1 July 1949. Covers depot-level disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the J30 powerplant.

Aerodynamic Profile & Geometry

The FH-1 employed an aerodynamically conservative straight-wing layout, optimizing low-speed lift performance essential for unassisted carrier takeoffs and arrested landings.

• Wing Area: 273.74 sq ft (25.43 m²) — low wing loading profile
• High-Lift Devices: Split-flap systems to reduce stall margins in carrier landing configuration
• Wing Fold System: Electrically actuated — span reduced from 40 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in for hangar deck stowage

Powerplant — Westinghouse J30

The FH-1's propulsion integration was its most pioneering engineering feature. Twin Westinghouse J30-WE-20 (originally designated 19XB-2B) axial-flow turbojet engines were buried within the thickened wing roots, eliminating the aerodynamic drag penalties of underwing pod installations. Tailpipes were canted slightly outward to protect the aluminum monocoque aft fuselage from thermal degradation.

• Static Thrust: 1,600 lbf (7.1 kN) per engine at max military RPM

Handling & Stability

• Empennage: Horizontal tailplane with distinct dihedral angle — specifically implemented to clear control surfaces from jet exhaust wash
• Control System: Standard mechanical cable, pulley, and push-rod connections — no hydraulic boost; heavy stick forces at max dive limits
• Pilot Visibility: Cockpit positioned far forward of the wing leading edge — exceptional over-the-nose visibility on carrier glide paths

Performance Data

This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.

⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.

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