F3H-2 Demon #145288 AB-108, VF-14 Tophatters, 1961

McDonnell's Demon was the predecessor of the famous F-4 Phantom. Serious problems (primarily an unreliable and underpowered engine) plagued the F3H-1N and led to grounding and early termination of the program. The redesigned F3H-2N, F3H-2M, and F3H-2 Demons were better performers and provided useful service for the U.S. Navy from 1956 thru 1964.

The Demon's primary role was all-weather interception to protect the carrier task force. It was the first Navy fighter to carry the Sparrow air-to-air missile. The aircraft also had a ground attack capability with rocket pods and bombs. Although designed to have 4 X 20mm cannon in the forward fuselage, most Demons were fitted with only two cannon as a weight -saving measure.

VF-14 transitioned to the McDonnell F3H-2N Demon in 1955 and made two deployments aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1957. The squadron was then re-equipped with F3H-2s. VF- 14 and its parent CVG-1 were then re-assigned to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and made eight deployments to the Mediterranean Sea up to 1969