F8F Bearcat

The Grumman F8F was a fast, agile, carrier-borne fighter aircraft developedas the ultimate dogfighter for the Pacific theater. Although the plane didmake it into production, with some examples even being delivered beforethe Japanese surrender, there is no evidence to suggest that the Bearcatever saw combat during the Second World War. With the jet age on thehorizon, and the specific threat of Japanese fighters a thing of the past,the Navy canceled a large portion of its order, and the F8F had a short,low-profile career. The Bearcat did finally see combat with the Frenchmilitary in Indochina, in relatively small numbers and without particularacclaim. The type would have likely faded into total obscurity, but thanksto its incredible raw performance it became a popular air show performerand racer. This is the most complete collection of Bearcat photographyin print. The 200 images show the Bearcat both in military service andin civilian use; close-ups and diagrams illustrate the various details of itsconstruction.