McDonnell Aircraft Corporation

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation was an American aerospace company founded in 1939 by James Smith McDonnell. The company initially struggled but grew rapidly during World War II, becoming a significant defense contractor. It pioneered the development of carrier-based jet fighters, notably the FH-1 Phantom, the world's first. McDonnell Aircraft also produced successful jet fighters like the F-4 Phantom II and contributed to early American space exploration by building the Mercury and Gemini space capsules.12

In 1967, McDonnell Aircraft merged with Douglas Aircraft Company to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. This new entity became a major producer of both military aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet, and commercial airliners like the DC-10. The company continued to expand, acquiring Hughes Helicopters in 1984. However, facing challenges from defense industry contraction and commercial aircraft sales, McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997.13