Location and date of the photo not given but likely Patuxent River where the NATC was based. The McDonnell FH-1 in the background was with VMF-122 Squadron which at the time was based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. 120347 was struck off charge in 1954. Photo by: Hans Groenhoff / Smithsonian Institution

On display at Yanks Air Museum with the emblem of VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" which succeeded VF-5A, the first USN squadron to enter the jet age. Powered by an 18kN Allison J32-A-2 turbojet, the FJ-1 saw short operational service aboard USS Boxer, being replaced by the F9F-2 Panther. This straight-wing Fury is one of just 33 built. Flown by Cdr E. Aurand, it set a speed record of 1 h, 58 m, 7s between Seattle and Los Angeles in Feb 48. It was struck off charge on 06 Oct 53 and acquired by the museum in 1999.

In March 1948 FJ-1 Furies carried out the first jet take-offs and landings on an American aircraft carrier at sea. Photo by: Peter Stackpole / Life

This FJ-1 was on loan from the National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian) to the Naval Air Museum for many years. When the Udvar-Hazy Branch at Dulles Airport opened, the NASM recalled the a/c back for display there. However, it has been disassembled and in storage since its return.

Stored before restoration for exhibition commenced

Now beautifully restored and looking absolutely immaculate on display at the Yanks Air Museum. This particular Fury was TOC during Nov. 1947 and served until Oct 1953 during which time she broke the record for the fastest flight between Seattle and Los Angeles (1205 miles, 1 h 58 m 7 s) in Feb. 1948. The FJ-1 was the last Navy aircraft to use machine guns.

The FJ-1 Fury was the first jet fighter to go to sea operationally. 33 were built and the type served with US Navy VF-51 Squadron aboard the USS Boxer from 1948. This example has been repainted in the midnite blue colours of its period and is now displayed indoors at the Pensacola museum.