The Grumman F8F was designed as a fighter in the Second World War. The prototype flew August 1944. It got a very powerfull radial engine. It became one of the fastest piston-engine aircraft of its time, its performance wasv comparable with early jet-powered fighters. It was too late to be used during the war, but was used in Korea War by the US Navy. Some were exported to France, Thailand and South Vietnam. Over 1,250 were produced.
Modified versions are currently used for racing and are popular among warbird owners.
F8F-2 Bearcat
This F8F-2 aircraft, is a retsored in NAS Denver NAVY markings. It has civil registration NX14WB / 122619/P-14 (cn D.1148).
It is on display at the Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino (Cal.)
Photographed Januari 2011 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Bearcat F8F
This F8F is a civilian Bearcat with nick name "Bob's Bear". It has registration N700A / BP-8 (cn D.1262). Was seen at Chino, California.
Photographed Januari 2011 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Bearcat F8F
This F8F Bearcat was used as a civilian registred aircraft "NL700A" by the Grumman Support director. It toured in the fifties around US NAVY bases at the time to confer with pilots who flew Grumman aircraft. It is now on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum, California USA.
Photographed 2014 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
This same aircraft was seen outside the hangar at Palm Springs
Photographed November 2016 by Cees Hendriks (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
In 1/72 scale, the Art Model is the best kit. In 1/32, Trumpeter has a good kit and in 1/48 Hobbyboss.
This walk around page was first published March 2012 by M. de Vreeze