Rumors of a New Grumman Bird?

[Muckmaw1]

I log into the MA last night and a Squaddie of mine who is not prone to practical jokes said there was a new Grumman fighter being tested at the con.

He said there was mention of it but I'm looking for a confirmation.

He said is was an F7F Bearcat...which does not really pan out.

The F7F was a tigercat of which only 2 were ever built.

The Bearcat was the F8F which saw limited is any service in WWII.

Whats the story Cons?

[ra]

There were way more than 2 F7F built.  But I don't think they saw combat in WWII.

I hope we don't get the F8F, we don't need any didn't-quite-make-it uber planes.

[Muckmaw1]

I hate to contradict you Ra, but I volunteer at a museum dedicated to Grumman Aircraft. There were only 2 built. I also double checked it in 2 Aircraft Encyclopedia's. Only 2.

In a way, I agree we don't need an uber F8F. It is smaller, more maneuverable, and climbs 30% faster than the F6F.

However, being a fan of the Ironworks, this plane would make my nipples hard.

Now, did the F8F ever see combat in WWII? No. But it was aboard the carriers and in the pacific theatre in the srping of '45.

Anyway, any truth to this rumor?

I'm going to go buy some Udder Balm.

[ra]

You must be thinking of a particular sub-type of F7F.  Hundreds were built.  Several units were equiped with them in Korea.  There are more than 2 still flying.

[4510]

Originally posted by Muckmaw1
I hate to contradict you Ra, but I volunteer at a museum dedicated to Grumman Aircraft. There were only 2 built. I also double checked it in 2 Aircraft Encyclopedia's. Only 2.

.

If only two were ever built then where are they today?

I just wonder since I have seen two personally ..... And IF only two were ever built.... I find it surprising the manner in which one of them is being kept today.

I would think the museum would know if its rarity and treat it a bit better.

Perhaps Grumman would want it back?

[2bighorn]

Number Built:  364
Number Still Airworthy:  6

Source: http://www.warbirdalley.com/f7f.htm

[Nefarious]

Maybe there going to release the A-6 or F-14, .

[Muckmaw1]

Originally posted by ra
You must be thinking of a particular sub-type of F7F.  Hundreds were built.  Several units were equiped with them in Korea.  There are more than 2 still flying.

You know what. You are quite correct.

I accidentally switched the numbers in my mind.

The F5F Skyrocket had only 2 prototypes built.

The F7F  Tigercat saw 364 Produced.

Sorry about that. Just got the numbers crossed.

So did they fly a bearcat at the CON or was it BS?

[Rafe35]

Both Grumman F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat did not see action over WWII and they were pretty much close to see action over Pacific War in 1945.

After WWII, Tigercat and Bearcat remained in the service until Bearcat was giving to the French and F7F stay with USMC until Korean War ended.

F4U-4 was last one for new fighter before Bearcat arrive.

[B17Skull12]

at chino i saw i think it was 2 F7F's flying.

[whels]

Originally posted by ra
There were way more than 2 F7F built.  But I don't think they saw combat in WWII.

I hope we don't get the F8F, we don't need any didn't-quite-make-it uber planes.

im sorry but it did make it. it was on combat duty aboard the
USS Langley, with VF18 and 19. it was in production and in squad service before end of ww2, so eventually it should be here.

[ra]

Combat duty.  But did they see combat?

[hogenbor]

Bristol Bulldogs were on combat duty in WWII, saw combat, even got kills.

http://www.dalnet.se/~surfcity/bulldog_finland.htm

Doies this mean we'll see it too, eventually? Would be a nice matchup against the Bearcat.

[Widewing]

Originally posted by 2bighorn
Source: http://www.warbirdalley.com/f7f.htm

364 counts the prototypes. 362 production models were built.



My regards,

Widewing

[TBolt A-10]

Originally posted by Muckmaw1
In a way, I agree we don't need an uber F8F. It is smaller, more maneuverable, and climbs 30% faster than the F6F.

I really want to bite & make a comment about the possibility of a Bearcat and/or a Tigercat in AH.  But, I smell a hook.