F2H Banshee
Nicknamed the “Banjo,” the Banshee was the RCN’s first and only fighter jet, which flew with the VF870 and VF871 Squadrons off the HMCS Bonaventure. It derived its name from the banshee of Irish mythology, as the engines “screamed like a banshee”. The VX10 Experimental Squadron also flew the Banshee for acceptance evaluations.
The Banshee was the RCN’s last fighter, as it was not replaced when retired in 1962. However, it was well-liked by pilots for its all-weather performance on and off deck, large 800-mile (1287 km) tactical radius, and speed of Mach .8 (580 mph or 933 km/h) at sea level. Banshees were capable of cruising on one engine at altitude and were very stable in operations aboard ship, with their ability to operate at high altitudes being their most valued trait, as we saw with their service over the skies of Korea, where Banshees were the aircraft of choice for top cover escort of Air Force B-29 raids into North Korea.
It also had versatile armament capabilities; it was the only Canadian military aircraft with sidewinder missiles until the CF-18, and it could also carry four 20mm cannons, 16 rockets, or six 500-lb bombs.
Only three RCN Banshees survive, the rest were used in firefighting exercises and burnt or scrapped upon their retirement.
Reference Links:
Canada Aviation and Space Museum - McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee
Youtube - Meet the McDonnell F2H Banshee US Navy Jet Fighter - 1948
Youtube - HMCS Bonaventure's Sidewinder-Armed Fighter Wing; The Story of the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee