• 1/48 scale McDonnell F3H-2M Demon plastic model kit by HobbyBoss (Kit No. 80365)
• Represents the McDonnell F3H Demon, an American carrier-based jet fighter developed for the United States Navy during the Cold War
• The F3H-2M was a missile-equipped variant designed to carry early radar-guided air-to-air weapons
• Developed by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, which later became part of McDonnell Douglas
• Features the distinctive swept-wing configuration, large nose-mounted air intake, single-engine fuselage and high-mounted horizontal stabilisers
• The original F3H Demon prototype first flew in August 1951
• Entered operational US Navy service during the mid-1950s
• Designed primarily for fleet air defence, all-weather interception and carrier-based fighter operations
• Powered by an Allison J71 afterburning turbojet engine
• The J71 replaced the problematic Westinghouse J40 engine originally intended for early Demon variants
• The F3H-2M incorporated equipment for carrying the Sperry AAM-N-2 Sparrow I air-to-air missile
• The Sparrow I was an early beam-riding guided missile developed for naval fighter interception
• The F3H-2M could carry up to four Sparrow I missiles
• The Demon family was also equipped with 20mm cannon armament, providing additional close-range firepower
• Equipped with radar for detecting and engaging airborne targets
• The aircraft's relatively large nose intake and fuselage were characteristic features of early American carrier-based jet fighter design
• Designed with robust landing gear and an arresting hook for aircraft carrier operations
• Featured folding wings to reduce storage requirements aboard US Navy aircraft carriers
• The Demon was a subsonic fighter, reflecting the transitional period between early jet aircraft and later supersonic naval fighters
• Served with US Navy fighter squadrons during the late 1950s and early 1960s
• The F3H-2M was redesignated F-3C under the unified US military aircraft designation system introduced in 1962
• The Demon was eventually replaced by more advanced aircraft, particularly the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II
• Its development helped establish McDonnell's expertise in carrier-based fighter aircraft
• The F3H Demon represents an important transitional aircraft in the history of American naval aviation and guided-missile fighter development
• HobbyBoss 1/48 scale plastic model kit recreating the McDonnell F3H-2M Demon
• Features more than 230 plastic parts across 10 sprues
• Includes 7 clear plastic parts for the cockpit canopy and associated details
• Includes photo-etched metal detail parts for enhanced realism
• Features finely engraved panel lines and surface details
• Recreates the distinctive swept wings, central engine intake and streamlined fuselage
• Includes a detailed single-seat cockpit and ejection seat
• Features detailed landing gear assemblies and wheel wells
• Includes a detailed engine exhaust and afterburner section
• Features separate airbrake components for alternative display arrangements
• Includes external fuel tanks and air-to-air missile armament
• Provides AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missile components as supplied in the kit
• Features wing components that can be modified for a folded-wing display configuration
• Includes waterslide decals for two US Navy aircraft:
• VF-14 Tophatters – BuNo 145288
• VF-112 Fighting 12 – BuNo 137055
• Offers opportunities to recreate the classic US Navy Light Gull Grey and Insignia White colour scheme
• The distinctive high-visibility US Navy squadron markings provide excellent opportunities for colourful Cold War aircraft displays
• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, subtle paint fading, exhaust staining and carrier aircraft weathering
• The cockpit, landing gear and engine exhaust provide interesting opportunities for detailed painting
• Suitable for 1950s US Navy aircraft carrier dioramas, Cold War naval aviation collections and early jet fighter displays
• Excellent companion to F3H-2 Demon, F4D Skyray, F7U Cutlass, F-8 Crusader, F-11 Tiger and F-4 Phantom II models
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of early US Navy jets, Cold War interceptors, carrier-based fighter aircraft and McDonnell aviation history
• Completed model measures approximately 371.3mm in length and 222.2mm in wingspan
• A distinctive addition to any collection of HobbyBoss aircraft models and 1/48 scale Cold War military jets
• Brand: HobbyBoss
• Kit Number: 80365
• Scale: 1/48
• Subject: McDonnell F3H-2M Demon
• Aircraft Type: Single-Engine Carrier-Based Fighter / Missile Interceptor
• Original Manufacturer: McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
• Operator: United States Navy (USN)
• Engine: Allison J71 Afterburning Turbojet
• Primary Missile Armament: AAM-N-2 Sparrow I (Historical F3H-2M Configuration)
• Historical Period: Cold War, 1950s–1960s
• Country: United States
• Total Parts: 230+
• Total Sprues: 10
• Clear Parts: 7
• Photo-Etched Parts: Included
• Marking Options: 2 US Navy Aircraft
• Completed Length: 371.3mm
• Completed Wingspan: 222.2mm
• Category: Cold War Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Material: Plastic
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
