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The F3H swept-wing transsonic jet fighter was underpowered, but served a short period with the USN (until September 1964). Two prototypes were ordered on September 30, 1949. They were to prove that carrier-based fighters could be just as advanced as land-based fighters.
The project proved to be a very costly venture. The enormous costs and delays that the F3H suffered were mainly due to its powerplant. Failure to develop the engine to design power output and reliability was largely responsible. Development was also complicated due to the US Navy who requested a redesign so the type was an all-weather night fighter.
The original F3H-1N was completely unairworthy because of its unreliable Westinghouse J40 engine. The F3H-2 was better, but arrived late and was soon retired. It had moderate wing sweep, and typical half-circular intakes. At the time the Demon was built the USN was switching to missile armament, and some carried early versions of the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder.
With the failure of the engines intended for it the type was extremely underpowered and after 11 accidents in which two test pilots were killed the program was halted. The problems were finally resolved and 591 aircraft of all versions have been built by the time production ended in 1959.

Jirka Wagner