F-86 Sabre</a> transonic jet fighter."> F-86 Sabre</a> transonic jet fighter."> F-86 Sabre</a> transonic jet fighter.">

North American FJ-3 Fury

Carrier capable fighter aircraft introduced in 1954

A U.S. Navy North American FJ 3M Fury from Fighter Squadron VF 121 Peacemakers
Scroll down for image gallery
credit: U.S. Navy
Share on Pinterest Share on WhatsApp

The North American FJ-3 Fury is a carrier-capable fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by North American Aviation. It took its first flight in July 1953 and served in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The aircraft was introduced in 1954 and was retired in September 1962. It is now phased out of service with a total number of 538 aircraft built. It was developed from the F-86 Sabre transonic jet fighter.

Manufacturer:
North American Aviation NAA
Country:
United States
Manufactured:
1952 to: 1956
ICAO:
FJ3
Price:
Avionics:
Engine:
1x Wright J65-W-4B
Jet
Power:
7,650 pound-force
Max Cruise Speed:
587 knots
1,087 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
860 Nautical Miles
1,593 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
Service Ceiling:
47,000 feet
Rate of Climb:
8450 feet / minute
42.93metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
8,523 Kg
18,790 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
1,000 Kg
2,205 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
600 gallon
2,271 litre
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
1 seats
Seats - Business Class:
Seats - First Class:
Cabin Height:
Cabin Width:
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
11.4 metre - 37.40 feet
Tail height:
4.14 metre - 13.58 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
1.4 metre - 4.59 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
11.3 metre - 37.07 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

Despite the ongoing development of the FJ-2 fighter, the development of a version fitted with Wright J65 was also presented. The aircraft was designated as FJ-3 and in March 1952, a total of 389 FJ-3s were ordered. On July 3, 1953, the first production aircraft conducted its maiden flight.

FJ-3s that were built earlier featured the similar wing of the FJ-2, however, later models from 1955 onwards were fitted with a so-called 6-3 wing, and a stretched leading edge. The aircraft also featured better maneuverability at a cost of a little increase in landing speed because of the removal of the leading edge slats.

The leading edges of the aircraft were designed to hold additional fuel. The FJ-3s built later on were fitted with four stations for external loads up to 453 kg and 226 kg on the inboard and outboard stations, respectively. In September 1954, aircraft deliveries started.

It was first received by the Navy Squadron VF-173 at Jacksonville, Florida. In May 1955, the FJ-3 accomplished its first carrier landing on the USS Bennington, and in June 1956, the aircraft piloted by Cdr. Ralph L. Werner from VF-21 became the first aircraft who landed on the new USS Forrestal.

The aircraft faced issues on the J65 engine such as lubrication system failures upon the speeding up of launch or while maneuvering, as well as problems with the turbine blades. Even so, the United States Navy found satisfaction on the FJ-3 compared with the earlier FJ-2.

In March 1954, the Navy made an order for 149 more aircraft. 538 FJ-3s were built in total and 194 were converted to FJ-3Ms that could be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles. In 1956, all the FJ-3s of the United States Navy were retrofitted with a probe-and-drogue air-to-air refueling system.

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy

All North American Aviation NAA Aircraft