 |
 |
 |
|
TRUMPETER
702284 1/32 F8F-1B Bearcat
The F8F Bearcat was the speediest prop-driven fighter that was produced in its day, but it arrived too late to see combat in WWII. It was intended as an interceptor fighter, operating from carriers. In modern vernacular, it might have been called the "Hellcat Lite"; the F8F featured all-metal construction, a cantilever low-wing monoplane design, folding wings for carrier operations, self-sealing fuel tanks, four .50 caliber machine guns and power by R-2800 radial engine. The US Navy order two prototypes, XF8F-1. in November 1943. first flown nine months later, the Bearcat prototype outperformed its heavier predecessor, notably with a thirty percent better climb rate. The first production model F8F-1 was delivered in February 1945, only six months after first flight the Navy's order totaled 2,033 airplanes. Only a few Bearcats had been delivered to the Navy when the end of the war halted production. A total of 1,266 Bearcats of all types have been built. Of which 765 were F8F-1's and 100 were F8F-1B'. At least 24 US Navy squadrons flew the Bearcat, some until as late as 1952, after which some were sold to the French Air force for combat operations in Vietnam. Another 129 Bearcats were sold to the Thai Air Force.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
