F2H-2

F2H-2

F7F-1

F9F-2

F2H-2

F7F-1

F9F-2

USA

V Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
7.3	7.3	8.0

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Naval aircraft

Research:82 000

Purchase:240 000

Description

The F2H-2 Banshee is a Rank V American naval jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB/RB) and 8.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals". The F2H-2 Banshee is a fantastic jet-fighter with great overall speed and good manoeuvrability. It is most recognized for its ability to remain stable even past its speed limit break (933 kph) and also for its fantastic high-altitude performance.

The Banshee is a very stable platform at HIGH speeds. Speed warning appears at 940 kph, but it can reach over a 1,000 kph and still not rip apart if flown carefully and kept it in a straight line.

The jets on this aircraft are very powerful and even if one is taken out, the machine can still return to base safely (which is a good advantage to have due to the fragility of jet engines when hit).

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics	Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	910	884	14965	26.8	27.8	21.6	20.2	670
Upgraded	947	933		25.8	26.0	33.9	27.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	X

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
994	342	525	525	325	~12	~5

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 620	< 650	< 700	N/A

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Empty mass			Wing loading (full fuel)
Westinghouse J34-WE-34		2	5,620 kg			335 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)					Max Takeoff Weight
Weight (each)	Type		20m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	69m fuel
600 kg	Axial-flow turbojet		6,674 kg	7,178 kg	7,980 kg	8,689 kg	9,142 kg	11,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition	100%	WEP	20m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	69m fuel	MTOW
Stationary	1,469 kgf	N/A	0.44	0.41	0.37	0.34	0.32	0.27
Optimal	1,469 kgf (0 km/h)	N/A	0.44	0.41	0.37	0.34	0.32	0.27

Survivability and armour

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The F2H-2 is armed with:

• 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

The F2H-2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• Without load
• 8 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
• 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
• 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The Banshee is first in the US naval jet lineup and possesses many characteristics that make it a fantastic start for jet players.

Some tips to use it effectively are:

• Staying at a high altitude (side-climbing)
• Avoiding/evading higher-flying prop and jet planes (Stay aware of your surroundings and watch for enemy fighters)
• Using Boom & Zoom or Hit & Run tactics

In AB, the F2H is actually quite mediocre. Its high BR makes it liable to be put with superior jets such as the Me-262 (which has unlimited fuel, as is characteristic of AB) or the F-86 Sabre.

AB will initially be frustrating as the un-upgraded Banshee is a very poor performer. Its cannons jam, it has a relatively poor climb rate, and acceleration is poor as well.

Once upgraded, however, the Banshee can be a very effective and useful plane.

The F2H-2 is most effectively used as an energy fighter. It has great energy retention, turns well, and accelerates quite well once fully researched. However, the stock Banshee is terrible compared to super-props such as the Tempest Mk.II, F8F-1B, La-9, and others. Therefore, it is recommended to climb at the beginning of a match to at least 4-6 km as the Banshee performs extremely well at these altitudes. However, keep in mind that evasion of superior planes such as the F8F-1B or the MiG-15 is key. Once optimal altitude is reached, Boom & Zoom can be employed. The F2H has sluggish controls at speeds below 482 kph (300 mph) so try to maintain above that speed in level flight. But when facing super-props, low-speed stability coupled with an airbrake makes the Banshee an extremely good prop-killer. If you maintain a high speed during combat, you can outrun most jets at your Battle Rating.

If you are unlucky, you will face the F-86A and MiG-15 in some battles, be sure to avoid them at all costs as they climb far better than the Banshee and have superior top speed.

Unfortunately, like most other jets, modifications take a long while to grind. Go for anything that increases the Banshee's climb rate. Leave the cannon ammo belts alone because default has the most HE shells (besides Stealth), and research the New Cannons modification; It will markedly improve the terrible spread of the cannon.

The cockpit of the F2H-2 is fantastic- the bubble canopy provides good visibility to the front and back of the aircraft.

Even with good advantages as a starting jet fighter (if you went with the Naval Line of USA Fighters), it has some disadvantages going up against MiG-15's and MiG-17's. It can certainly outrun La-174's and La-15's with splendid ease, but it will never be able to outrun a MiG once it's on your tail. As for MiG-9's, they can't outrun the Banshee but can probably out-turn it if the MiG-9 pilot is properly trained and experienced.

It's best used as a support fighter in EVERY situation unless you are down-tiered and you are put against Ho-229's and Me-262's. In this case, you can become an aggressive fighter and easily score some kills. Although if you are put up against MiG-17's, MiG-15's and La-15's, best prepare yourself to side-climb and get behind your allies. Get some altitude and be patient to pursue MiG's that are either chasing Hunter's or Sabers or an unfortunate bomber.

A good recommendation is that you should never go for IL-28s alone. Other recommendations are that you should never take rockets or bombs unless you're in a squad and you bomb points together. It is NOT recommended either way. Another tip is to try holding your speed and use airbrakes when being tailed by a MiG.

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage Repair	Compressor			FSBC mk.5
II	New Boosters		Airframe	Offensive 20 mm
III	Wings Repair	Engine			FRC mk.2
IV	G-Suit		Cover	New 20 mm Cannons	FMBC mk.1

• Compressor and Engine are always useful upgrades and all acceleration unlocks are a top priority. Given the uniqueness of the AN/M3 armament New 20 mm cannons and G-Suit should be preferable tier 4 goals. The stock belts are better than any other type of ammo, due to more two times more HEFI-T inside of them, but for the improved cannons, they need to be researched, albeit that can wait past the G-Suit. To help with the manoeuvrability issues, boosters should be considered a priority as well.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Heavy Armament
• Very good energy retention
• Good acceleration, dive acceleration
• Good climb rate
• Good low-speed stability and turn time
• Good performance at high altitudes (10,000 m)
• G-Suit module
• Cheap Repairs
• Durability
• Stable Gun Platform
• Decent Roll Rate
• Landing hook for carriers

Cons

• Cannon jams quickly and are very inaccurate unless "new cannons" mod is activated
• Long takeoff run
• Slow roll rate
• Extremely poor stock model
• Not fast enough to effectively tail fast fighters
• Big wings, easy target for Soviet 37 mm cannon
• Due to battle rating of 8.0, it has a high tendency to get pitted against 9.0 jets that can outrun, outgun, and out climb it, making it a sitting duck unless an enemy pilot makes a grievous mistake

History

The Twin Engine F2H Banshee was a follow up to McDonnell's successful FH-1 Phantom and was designed to become the Navy's next carrier-borne aircraft. The two aircraft appear very similar but the F2H was improved in several ways. Primary upgrades include larger airframe, heavier armament, and better power-plants. Nearly 800 Banshees were built for the Navy and Marine Corps during the early 1950s.

The Banshee saw use in Korea with the Navy and Marines escorting Air Force B-29s on bombing missions but would never encounter an enemy fighter throughout the whole war. As a fighter/bomber, the Banshee saw limited use, but the greatest role the F2H performed in the war was doing reconnaissance over hostile territory. A majority of the F2H's service took place in the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans but its appeal came from its ability to go unnoticed by enemy forces and would primarily serve recon or escort purposes. The Navy and Marine Corps would retire the Banshee from active service around the early 1960s and would replace it with aircraft such as the F9F Cougar, F3H Demon, and the F4D Skyray. In the 1950s several refurbished Banshees were purchased by the Canadian government where they saw limited service on the HMCS Bonaventure until the early 1960s when they were finally retired from military service.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the F2H-2 Banshee from live.warthunder.com.

• 

  The Banshee in flight with other identical aircraft.
• 

  F2H attacking swarm of Me 262s in test flight mode.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
• other literature.

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