The Bearcat replaced the F6F Hellcat and was considered the best performing piston fighter. The Grumman Bearcat was among the last piston-engine flyers built specifically for World War II combat and did not see combat in World War II.
Following the Battle of Midway, F4F Wildcat pilots met with officials from Grumman. The pilots stressed the need for a good climb rate. In addition, there was a need for an airplane which could operate from escort carriers. With this in mind, Grumman began the development of what would become the F8F Bearcat. The first prototype flew in 1944 and deliveries began in May 1945. In 1948, the F8F-2 was produced which incorporated a number of improvements. A total of 293 F8F-2s were produced.
The Bearcat on display in the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon served with the Navy from 1948 to 1957.
The Bearcat has a maximum speed of 447 mph and a range of 865 miles. It is armed with four 50 caliber machine guns.
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