Air war Korea the way it was

Air Classics, Sep 2001 by O'Leary, Michael

CONTINUING OUR EXAMINATION OF KOREAN WAR COMBAT AIRCRAFT ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS ACTIONS. THIS MONTH, WE PRESENT US NAVY AIRCRAFT

Surrounded by Pierced Steel Planking (PSP), McDonnell F2H-2P Banshees of VMF- are serviced prior to their next mission. The F2H-2 was a growth variant of the - 1. First appearing in 1949, the F2H-2 had an extended fuselage and wing tip tanks for increased fuel - needed to slake the thirst of the J34-WE-34 turbojets which could produce 3250-lb of static thrust each. Production of the F2H-2 series concluded in September 1952 and comprised 364 aircraft augmented by 14 F2H-2N night fighters and 58 F2H-2P photo reconnaissance aircraft. The F2H-2P was widely used in Korea, providing vital intelligence for the Fleet and Marines. As can be seen, the lead aircraft carries a very large number of mission markers - each mission denoted in the form of a camera. Other points of interest include the screens over the intakes to prevent the ingestion of foreign objects and the large red covers over the camera ports in the extended nose. VMF- I aircraft were quite colorful with red and white trim. Also note the anodized leading edges on all flight surfaces to prevent paint erosion.

An F9F-S from VF-781 prepares to engage the crash barrier aboard the Bon Homme Richard Accidents with the new jets were not uncommon since landing speeds were greater than with the piston-engine fighters.

Deck action aboard the USS Son Homme Richard (CVA-31) in Korean waters on 28 November 1951. A Grumman F9F-SP of VC-61 has just cleared the deck after being launched by the catapult while two F9F-5 Panthers of VF-781 are sited prior to launch. Perhaps the most effective Navy jet of the Korean War, the Panther was also the first USN jet to see combat - this taking place on 3 July 1950. By the end of the Korean War, 24 Navy squadrons had flown Panthers in action.

Interesting view of the hangar deck of the Son Homme Richard on 15 November 1951 showing a blend of old and new. Two rows of Corsairs keep company with Grumman F9F-SPs of VC-61 - the first two Panthers are named Life and Look in honor of the popular American photo magazines of the time period.

With a variety of explosives in the foreground, a deck full of Vought Corsairs and Douglas Skyraiders take a rest before their next mission against the North Koreans. These piston-engine warriors bore the brunt of the Navy's ground attack missions during the war. In action from the first days of the war, Rear Admiral John W. Hoskins of Task Force 77 commented on the Skyraider as "the best and most effective close support airplane in the world." AC