Grumman F9F Panther

{{Infobox aircraft

| name = F9F Panther

| image = File:Grumman F9F-2 Panther of VF-112 in flight, circa in 1951 (1564-78).jpg

| caption = An F9F Panther in flight

| manufacturer = Grumman

| designer =

| first_flight = 21 November 1947

| introduction = May 1949 {{cite web |title=F9F-2 Panther |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nnam/explore/collections/aircraft/f/f9f-2-panther.html#:~:text=Grumman's%20first%20jet%20fighter%2C%20the,Forge%20(CV%2D45). |website=National Naval Aviation Museum |access-date=17 January 2024}}

| retired = 1958, U.S. Navy
1969, Argentina

| status =

| primary_user = United States Navy

| more_users = United States Marine Corps
Argentine Navy

| produced =

| number_built = 1,385Thomason 2008, p. 61.

| variants =

| developed_into = Grumman F-9 Cougar

}}

The Grumman F9F Panther is an early carrier-based jet fighter designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Grumman. It was the first jet-powered fighter aircraft to see air-to-air combat with the United States Navy as well as being Grumman’s first jet fighter.

Development of the Panther commenced in the final months of World War II to harness the recent innovation of the jet engine. Grumman designed a single-engined, straight-winged day fighter that was armed with four {{convert|20|mm|abbr=on}} cannons and could also carry a wide assortment of air-to-ground munitions. Production aircraft were typically powered by a single Allison J33 or Pratt & Whitney J48-P-2 turbojet engine. On 21 November 1947, the prototype performed its maiden flight, powered by an imported Rolls-Royce Nene engine. During September 1949, the F9F was cleared for flight from aircraft carriers.

The Panther was used extensively by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the Korean War. On 3 July 1950, a F9F-3 recorded the first U.S. Navy air victory of the conflict, having shot down a propeller-powered Yak-9. In the Korean theatre, Panther pilots cumulatively claimed the shooting down of seven Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15s. During 1956, the type was withdrawn from front-line combat service, but remained in secondary roles, such as for training and with U.S. Naval Air Reserve and U.S. Marine Air Reserve units, until 1958. The Panther was also the first jet aircraft used by the Blue Angels aerobatics demonstration team, being flown in this capacity from 1949 through to late 1954. Future astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn both flew the F9F extensively during the Korean War.

While Australia was interested in the Panther during the late 1940s, the nation ultimately opted for the Gloster Meteor F.8 and the CAC Sabre instead. The aircraft's only export customer was Argentina, where it became the first jet aircraft to be operated by the Argentine Naval Aviation. It was operated mainly from land, as the catapults of the aircraft carrier ARA Independencia lacked sufficient power to readily launch the F9F. Several Panthers participated in the 1963 Argentine Navy Revolt, firing upon Argentine Army forces sent to quell the revolt. During 1969, it was withdrawn from Argentine service due to a lack of spare parts.

Grumman would develop the F9F design in response to U.S. Navy interest, producing the swept wing Grumman F-9 Cougar.

Design and development

=Background=

File:Grumman G-75 (XF9F-1) mfr 891062-3 (GHC via RJF) (18356559201).jpg

File:XF9F-3 XF9F-2 NAN12-48.jpg

The origins of the Panther can be traced back to development studies performed by Grumman into jet-powered fighter aircraft near the end of World War II. The company was keen to capitalise on the emergence of the first practical jet engines by integrating them into a new aircraft design. This design, which was internally designated G-75, was submitted to a United States Navy competition that sought a jet-powered night fighter to equip its aircraft carriers with. However, on 3 April 1946, it was announced that the Douglas F3D Skyknight, a competing two-seat aircraft powered by four Westinghouse J30 turbojets, had been selected. On 11 April 1946, the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) issued a development contract to Grumman to produce a pair of G-75 prototypes, which were given the Navy designation XF9F-1, in case development of the Skyknight encountered severe problems.Boyne 2002, p. 277.

Shortly thereafter, Grumman recognised that the G-75 did not have much potential for either performance or growth; the company had already undertaken work on a completely different single-engine day fighter, the G-79. In a bureaucratic maneuver, BuAer opted not to cancel the G-75 contract, but instead changed the wording to include three prototypes of the entirely different G-79. It was this design that became the Panther.Hardy 1987, p. 79.Davies 2022, p. 6.

At that time, the few American engines that were available for use, such as the Allison J33 and Westinghouse J34, were not considered to be sufficiently reliable;Noland, David. "Panther at sea, Air and Space, June/July 2013, p. 29. thus, the Navy specified the imported Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet, which was also more powerful, at {{cvt|5,000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust. Production aircraft were to also be powered by the Nene, built under license by Pratt & Whitney as the J42.Boyne 2002, p. 203.Thomason 2008, p. 58. Since there was insufficient space within the wings and fuselage to provide sufficient fuel for the thirsty jet engine, the design team opted to add permanently mounted wingtip fuel tanks, which had incidental advantage of improving the fighter's rate of roll.Winchester 2004, p. 96. The wings featured another innovation in the form of leading edge flaps that generated additional lift while landing; speed brakes were also present on the underside of the fuselage.

=Flight testing=

On 21 November 1947, the prototype Panther conducted its maiden flight, piloted by test pilot Corky Meyer.Meyer 2002, {{page needed|date=July 2023}}.Thomason 2008, pp. 58-59. It was followed by the second prototype only five days later. Initial issues with directional and longitudinal stability were encountered, but were quickly rectified. During one early land-based arresting gear test, the detachable rear section of the aircraft unintentionally came off; remedial changes were made to avoid any future repetition.Thomason 2008, p. 59.

During May 1949, carrier suitability trails commenced. In September 1949, the F9F was cleared for flight from aircraft carriers. During the development phase, Grumman decided to change the Panther's engine, selecting the Pratt & Whitney J48-P-2, a license built version of the Rolls-Royce RB.44 Tay. The other engine that had been tested was the Allison J33-A-16. The armament was a quartet of 20 mm guns, the Navy having already switched to this caliber (as opposed to the USAAF/USAF which continued to use .50 caliber M2/M3 guns). In addition, the Panther was soon armed with underwing air-to-ground rockets and up to {{convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of bombs.

File:F9F-3 Panther with Emerson turret in flight in early 1950s.jpg

From 1946, interest in developing an aircraft that harnessed the increasingly popular swept wing grew and, following concerns that the Panther was inferior to its MiG opponents over the skies of Korea, Grumman launched work on a conversion project, known as Design 93. This effort resulted in a swept-wing derivative, the F9F Cougar, which retained the Panther's designation number.Taylor 1969, p. 506.Boyne 2002, pp. 277-278. Later stage development work on the Panther continued, being largely focused on engine improvements, expanding fuel capacity, and the use of alternative munitions.Thomason 2008, pp. 59-60.

In 1949, the Panther was considered by the Australian government, as a possible locally-built replacement for the Mustang Mk 23 and De Havilland Vampire then operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).[http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A94.htm RAAF Museum, 2009, A94 CAC Sabre] (14 December 2012). The other designs considered initially were an Australian design, the CAC CA-23 (an unconventional, twin-jet all-weather fighter) and the Hawker P.1081. By mid-1950, however, RAAF Mustangs were in action in Korea and seen as highly vulnerable to the MiG-15. An immediately available stop-gap in the shape of the Gloster Meteor F.8 was operated by the RAAF in Korea from July 1951. (After its less-than-satisfactory performance against MiGs, the Meteor was replaced from 1954 by the CAC Sabre – an Australian-built, up-engined variant of the F-86.RAAF Museum, 2009, A94 CAC Sabre.)

Operational history

=US Navy=

File:F9F-2 VF-111 NAN9-52.jpg

The Panther was the primary jet fighter and ground-attack aircraft of both the US Navy and USMC during the Korean War. It was the widest used Navy jet fighter of the conflict, cumulatively flying 78,000 sorties. F9F-2s, F9F-3s and F9F-5s, as rugged attack aircraft, were able to sustain operations despite being frequently opposed by intense anti-aircraft fire. The pilots also appreciated the air conditioned cockpit, which made for a welcome change from the humid environment of piston-powered aircraft.Noland, David, Panthers at sea, Air & Space, June/July 2013, pp. 30-31.Davies 2022, p. 5.

On 3 July 1950, Lieutenant, junior grade Leonard H. Plog, of VF-51, flying an F9F-3 scored the first US Navy air victory of the war by shooting down a propeller-powered Yak-9.Kott 2007, p. 293.Davies 2022, p. 29.

Despite their relatively low speed, Panther pilots also claimed seven Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15s, for the loss of two F9Fs. The first MiG-15 was downed on 9 November 1950, by Lieutenant Commander William (Bill) Amen of VF-111 flying an F9F-2B, during a UN Command attack on the Sinuiju bridges, near the mouth of the Yalu River. Two more MiG-15s were downed on 18 November 1950.

On 18 November 1952, the American aircraft carrier {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} and three other carriers were operating in the Sea of Japan conducting air strikes against the North Korean city of Hoeryong. The group launched four F9F's for a combat patrol near the North Korean border with China. The group's leader suffered mechanical problems and returned to the carrier together with his wingman. Lt Royce Williams of VF-781, flying off {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} and his wingman continued on the mission. They then identified seven Soviet Naval Aviation MiGs heading towards the task force from the Russian mainland. The naval commanders therefore ordered the two F9Fs to position themselves between the MiGs and the carrier group.Cleaver, Thomas M. "Four Down! The Korean Combat the U.S. Tried to Forget." Flight Journal, June 2013, pp. 42–49.{{cite web |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/20/asia/korean-war-fighter-pilot-soviet-shootdown-intl-hnk-ml/index.html |title = US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes – and kept it a secret for 50 years |last = Lendon |first = Brad |access-date = 21 January 2023 }}

During this maneuver, four Soviet MiG-15s opened fire, despite the fact that the countries were not at war. Williams opened fire on the tail MiG, which dropped out of formation, and was followed down by Williams's wingman. What followed was a 35-minute dogfight between Williams and six MiG-15s. The MiG-15 was a more capable plane, but Williams nevertheless succeeded in shooting down three more. He ascribed this to both sides doing as they were trained, but the Soviet pilots making mistakes. While heading back to the carriers, Williams was out of ammo, but still had one MiG on his tail. The re-appearance of his wingman on the MiG's tail then scared this one off. By that time Williams's plane was so damaged that he could not turn sideways anymore. Oriskany was therefore aligned with the plane, so he could land. After landing, his Panther was found to have 263 hits by cannon shells or fragments and was beyond repair. It was therefore pushed overboard.

The engagement is little-known for two reasons. The US feared that publication of the incident could increase tensions with the Soviet Union. Another reason was the involvement of the US National Security Agency (NSA) – the existence of which was then top secret – in planning the mission; the MiGs were intercepted as a result of intelligence provided by the NSA. The four MiGs that were shot down were flown by Soviet Naval Aviation pilots: Russian sources confirmed Williams's claims, 40 years later, stating the pilots lost were Captains Belyakov and Vandalov, and Lieutenants Pakhomkin and Tarshinov.

As the conflict progressed, Panthers became primarily tasked with ground attack missions.Davies 2022, p. 63. Attacks upon hostile anti-aircraft equipment were commonly conducted.Davies 2022, pp. 58-62. This was a risky mission type, with numerous Panthers being damaged or even lost to fire from the same ground batteries that they were seeking to neutralize.Davies 2022, p. 37-39, 61. Furthermore, the danger posed by these systems increased over time as more capable AA apparatus was supplied to the North Korean force.Davies 2022, p. 64. Panthers also routinely undertook aerial reconnaissance missions over Korea.Davies 2022, pp. 71-74. Starting in 1952, the Panther began to be supplemented by the newer Cougar derivative in the theatre.Davies 2022, p. 77.

Future astronaut Neil Armstrong flew the F9F extensively during the Korean conflict,Sears 2010, p. 244. although he ejected from one of the aircraft after it was brought down by a wire strung across a valley in 1951.Hansen 2012, pp. 82-94. Future astronaut John Glenn and Boston Red Sox all-star baseball player Ted Williams also flew the F9F as Marine Corps pilots.

During 1956, the Panther was withdrawn from frontline combat service, having been displaced by new fighter aircraft, including its swept-wing Cougar derivative.Davies 2022, p. 81. However, the type remained active in secondary roles, such as for training and with U.S. Naval Air Reserve and U.S. Marine Air Reserve units, until 1958. The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team used the Panther for four years, beginning in 1951. The Panther was the Blue Angels' first jet.Noland, David, Panthers at sea, Air & Space, June/July 2013, p. 35. Some Panthers continued to serve in small numbers into the 1960s.Winchester 2004, p. 97. From September 1962, surviving operational Panthers were designated F-9 within the new combined US tri-service designation system.Danby 1977, p. 57.

=Argentine Navy=

File:Argentine F9F Panther in 1963.jpg]]

The only foreign buyer of the Panther was the Argentine Naval Aviation, which purchased 28 ex-USN F9F-2B aircraft during 1957; the first 10 arrived in 1958. Only 24 aircraft were put in service, as the remainder were used as spares. The first flight of an Argentine Panther was in December 1958, and the last aircraft entered into service during January 1961.

The catapult on the then only Argentine carrier, ARA Independencia, was not powerful enough to launch the F9F,{{cite magazine| title=Historic Aircraft-The Navy's Frontline in Korea | publisher=U.S. Naval Institute| url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2008/april/historic-aircraft-navys-frontline-korea |date=April 2008|magazine=Naval History Magazine|volume=22|issue=2|first=Norman|last=Polmar}} so the aircraft were land-based. However, in July 1963, a Panther (serial 0453/3-A-119) landed on Independencia as part of trials, the first jet to land on an Argentine aircraft carrier;{{cite web |url = http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Artículos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |title = Grumman Panther en Argentina |last1 = Cicalesi |first1 = Juan Carlos |last2 = Rivas |first2 = Santiago |publisher = Instituto Aeronaval |access-date = 28 August 2014 |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029225043/http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Art%C3%ADculos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |archive-date = 29 October 2014 }} it was not then catapult-launched, but off-loaded by crane when the ship returned to port.

Argentine Navy F9F-2 Panthers were engaged in combat during the 1963 Argentine Navy Revolt. Several rebel-controlled aircraft flew bombing and strafing runs against a column of the Army 8th Tank Regiment which was advancing on the rebelling Punta Indio Naval Air Base. The attack destroyed several M4 Sherman tanks while one F9F Panther was shot down.Cooper, Tom. [http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=47 "Argentina, 1955-1965."] ACIG.org. Retrieved: 24 January 2013.

The Argentine Panthers were involved in the general mobilization during the 1965 border clash between Argentina and Chile, but no combat occurred. The type was removed from service during 1969 due to a lack of available spare parts, the service opted to replace them with Douglas A-4Q Skyhawks.Mey, Carlos. [http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-Panther.htm ."Panther" {{in lang|es}}.] Pictorial and history in Argentine service. Retrieved: 19 July 2011.

The Argentine Navy also operated the F-9 Cougar trainer version.

Variants

File:Grumman F9F-2B Panthers of VF-721 in flight over Korea on 15 July 1951 (80-G-431906).jpg

File:F9F-5 VF-111 CVA-39 1953.jpeg

File:F9F-5P forward NAN12-53.jpg

File:AJ-2 F9F NATC refueling test NAN8-53.jpg of the NATC during in-flight refueling tests in 1953]]

;XF9F-2

:Prototypes, two built

;F9F-2

:First production version, powered by Pratt & Whitney J42 engine, 567 built.

;F9F-2B

:Version fitted with underwing racks for bombs and rockets. As all F9F-2s were brought up to this standard, the B designation was dropped.

;F9F-2P

:Unarmed photo-reconnaissance version used in Korea, 36 built.

;XF9F-3

:Prototype for the F9F-3, one built.

;F9F-3

:Allison J33 powered version produced as insurance against the failure of the J42, with all converted to the J42 later;Davies 2022, p. 19. redesignated F-9B in 1962, 54 built.

;XF9F-4

:Prototypes used in the development of the F9F-4, two built.

;F9F-4

:Version with longer fuselage with greater fuel load and powered by J33 engine. Most re-engined with Pratt & Whitney J48s.Francillon 1989, p. 322 F9F-4s were the first aircraft to successfully employ pressurized bleed air, tapped from the engine's compressor stages, and blown across the surface of the slot flaps, simulating a higher airspeed across the control surface, and thus achieving a decrease in stalling speed of {{cvt|9|kn|km/h}} for takeoff and {{cvt|7|kn|km/h}} on power approach for landing; re-designated F-9C in 1962, 109 ordered, all completed as F9F-5s.

;F9F-5:

:Variant of F9F-4, but powered by Pratt & Whitney J48 engine, 616 built. Re-designated F-9D in 1962.

;F9F-5P

:Unarmed photo-reconnaissance version, with longer nose; redesignated RF-9D in 1962, 36 built.Davies 2022, p. 20.

;F9F-5K

:After the F9F Panther was withdrawn from operational service, a number of F9F-5s were converted into unmanned target drone aircraft; redesignated QF-9D in 1962.

;F9F-5KD

:Radio controlled drone director conversions for F9F-5K drones; redesignated DF-9E in 1962.

Operators

;{{ARG}}

Argentine Navy - Argentine Naval Aviation

;{{USA}}

Surviving aircraft

=Argentina=

;On display

;;F9F-2B

0421/3-A-106 (Argentine Navy) - Gate guardian at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base (Base Naval Puerto Belgrano - BNPB) at Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
0425/3-A-113 (Argentine Navy) - Being restored at Argentine Naval Aviation Museum (:es:Museo de la Aviación Naval Argentina - MUAN) at Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
0452/3-A-111 (Argentine Navy) - Gate guardian at Punta Indio Naval Air Base (Base Aeronaval Punta Indio - BAPI) near La Plata, Argentina.
0453/3-A-118 (Argentine Navy) - Displayed at National Naval Museum (:es:Museo Naval de la Nación) at Tigre, Argentina.

=United States=

;Airworthy

;;F9F-2B

File:Addison, TX, USA - panoramio (5).jpg]]

123078 - Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas.[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=9525A "FAA Registry: N9525A."] faa.gov Retrieved: 27 July 2021.[https://www.cavflight.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=119 "F9F Panther/123078"] Cavanaugh Flight Museum. Retrieved: 18 October 2018. Removed from public display when the museum indefinitely closed on 1 January 2024. To be transported to North Texas Regional Airport in Denison, Texas.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Cole |date=1 January 2024 |title=Historic Addison flight museum announces closure |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/addison-texas-cavanaugh-flight-museum-closing/287-85fe72cf-3131-4919-88ed-e92d8cfa30c0 |work=WFAA |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=4 January 2024}}

;On display

;;F9F-2

123050 - National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f9f_panther"F9F Panther/123050".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031231703/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f9f_panther |date=2018-10-31 }} National Naval Aviation Museum. Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
123557 - VFW Post 1621 in Janesville, Wisconsin.[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=537 "F9F Panther/123557"] aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
123612 - NAS Oceana Air Park, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.[http://aerialvisuals.ca/LocationDossier.php?Serial=3969 "F9F Panther/123612".] aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 8 April 2015.
123652 - Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.[http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F9F Panther/123653".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185627/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |date=2017-10-11 }} Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
125183 - Pima Air & Space Museum, adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona.[http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/grumman-f9f-4-panther "F9F Panther/125183".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104223507/http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/grumman-f9f-4-panther |date=2015-01-04 }} Pima Air & Space Museum. Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
127120 - Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum at the former NAS JRB Willow Grove in Horsham, Pennsylvania.[http://www.wingsoffreedommuseum.org/index.php/our-aircraft/17-aircraft/aircraft-fixed-wing/17-aircraft-f9f-2-panther "F9F Panther/127120"] Wings of Freedom Museum. Retrieved: 15 January 2015.

;;F9F-2B

123526 - National Museum of the Marine Corps, adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Triangle, Virginia.[https://www.usmcmuseum.com/iconic-artifacts.html "F9F Panther/123526."] National Museum of the Marine Corps. Retrieved: 26 September 2022.

;;F9F-4

125180 - Lion's Park in Costa Mesa, California.[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=177 "F9F Panther/125180".] aerialvisuals.ca Retrieved: 1 June 2014.

;;F9F-5

bureau number unknown (incorrectly marked as 141136) - USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California[http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum "F9F Panther/unknown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325094835/http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum |date=2013-03-25 }} USS Midway Museum. Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
125295 - Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida.[http://www.vacwarbirds.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC1030-F9F-5.jpg "F9F Panther/125295".] Valiant Air Command Museum. Retrieved: 15 January 2015.
125992 - Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green, KY.[http://aviationheritagepark.com/grumman-panther-f9f/"F9F Panther/125992".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119085506/http://aviationheritagepark.com/grumman-panther-f9f/ |date=2016-11-19 }} Aviation Heritage Park. Retrieved: 29 December 2016.
126226 - Combat Air Museum adjacent to Forbes Air National Guard Base at Topeka Regional Airport / Forbes Field (former Forbes AFB) in Topeka, Kansas.[http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/grummanf9fpanther.html "F9F Panther/126226".] Combat Air Museum. Retrieved: 4 March 2013.
126275 - Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.[https://www.ussalabama.com/explore/aircraft/ "F9F Panther/126275".] Battleship Memorial Park. Retrieved: 26 September 2022.

;;F9F-5P

125316 - Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs, California.[https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/aircraft/] Palm Springs Air Museum. Retrieved: 4 February 2023[https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=11811.] Aerial Visuals Retrieved: 4 February 2023.
126277 - Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino, California.[http://planesoffame.org/index.php?mact=staircraft,m5c7c8,default,1&m5c7c8what=stplanes&m5c7c8forcelist=1&m5c7c8orderby=&m5c7c8detailpage=aircraft-details&m5c7c8nbperpage=20&m5c7c8pageindex=3&m5c7c8returnid=81&m5c7c8returnid=81&page=81 "F9F Panther/126277."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323141254/http://planesoffame.org/index.php?mact=staircraft,m5c7c8,default,1&m5c7c8what=stplanes&m5c7c8forcelist=1&m5c7c8orderby=&m5c7c8detailpage=aircraft-details&m5c7c8nbperpage=20&m5c7c8pageindex=3&m5c7c8returnid=81&m5c7c8returnid=81&page=81 |date=2013-03-23 }} Planes of Fame Air Museum. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.

;Under restoration or in storage

;;F9F-2

123054 - under restoration at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.[https://www.yanksair.org/collections-2/ "F9F Panther/123054."] Yanks Air Museum. Retrieved: 26 September 2022.
123092 - in storage for restoration at USS John F. Kennedy Museum in North Kingston, Rhode Island.[http://www.ussjfkri.org/news/aircraft-restoration-projects/ "F9F Panther/123092."] USS JFK Museum. Retrieved: 21 January 2015.
123420 - in storage at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=32313 "FAA Registry: N32313."] faa.gov Retrieved: 27 July 2021.

;;F9F-5

125467 - in storage by private owner in Bulverde, Texas.[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=1332F "FAA Registry: N1332F."] faa.gov Retrieved: 27 July 2021.

Specifications (F9F-5 Panther)

File:Grumman F9F-5 Panther 3-view line drawing.svg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref= United States Navy Aircraft since 1911Swanborough and Bowers 1976, p. 232.

|prime units?= kts

|genhide=

|crew= 1

|capacity=

|length m=

|length ft= 38

|length in= 10

|length note=

|span m=

|span ft= 38

|span in= 0

|span note=

|height m=

|height ft= 12

|height in= 3

|height note=

|wing area sqm=

|wing area sqft= 250

|wing area note=

|aspect ratio=

|airfoil=

|empty weight kg=

|empty weight lb= 10,147

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=

|gross weight lb= 18,721

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|lift kg=

|lift lb=

|lift note=

|more general=

|eng1 number= 1

|eng1 name= Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6A

|eng1 type= turbojet

|eng1 kn=

|eng1 lbf= 6,250

|eng1 note=

|power original=

|thrust original=

|eng1 kn-ab=

|eng1 lbf-ab=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=

|max speed mph= 579

|max speed kts=

|max speed note= at {{convert|5000|ft|m|abbr=on}}

|max speed mach=

|cruise speed kmh=

|cruise speed mph= 481

|cruise speed kts=

|cruise speed note=

|stall speed kmh=

|stall speed mph=

|stall speed kts=

|stall speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed mph=

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|minimum control speed kmh=

|minimum control speed mph=

|minimum control speed kts=

|minimum control speed note=

|range km=

|range miles= 1,300

|range nmi=

|range note=

|combat range km=

|combat range miles=

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=

|ferry range miles=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=

|ceiling ft= 42,800

|ceiling note=

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|glide ratio=

|climb rate ms=

|climb rate ftmin= 5,090

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|sink rate ms=

|sink rate ftmin=

|sink rate note=

|lift to drag=

|wing loading kg/m2=

|wing loading lb/sqft=

|wing loading note=

|disk loading kg/m2=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|thrust/weight=

|more performance=

|guns= 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) AN/M3 cannon, 760 rounds total{{cite web |title = Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F9F-5, 5P "Panther" |publisher = US Navy |date = 1 June 1952 |url = http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F9F-5_and_-5P_Panther_SAC_-_1_June_1952.pdf |via = Alternatewars.com |access-date = 27 July 2021}}

|bombs=

|rockets=

|missiles=

|hardpoints= 8

|hardpoint capacity= {{convert|3465|lb|kg|abbr=on}}Francillon 1989, p. 323.

|hardpoint rockets=

|hardpoint missiles=

|hardpoint bombs=

|hardpoint other=

|avionics=

}}

Notable appearances in media

The F9F Panther was featured in the 1954 Korean War film The Bridges at Toko-Ri starring William Holden, Grace Kelly, Mickey Rooney and Fredric March, and in Men of the Fighting Lady starring Van Johnson, Walter Pidgeon and Keenan Wynn.

Stock footage of an F9F piloted by George Chamberlain Duncan crashing into the fantail of the USS Midway (CV-41) during a 1951 test flight appears in several Hollywood films.

In 1954's Men of the Fighting Lady, the crash is portrayed as the death of Lieutenant Commander Ted Dodson (played by Keenan Wynn).
In the 1976 film Midway, the F9F footage stands in for an SB2C Helldiver crash-landing.
In the 1990 film The Hunt for Red October, the F9F footage is used to depict the crash-landing of an F-14A Tomcat that had collided with a Soviet aircraft onto the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), reenacting an incident from Tom Clancy's original novel.{{cite web| url=https://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/F9F-Duncan.htm |title=Duncan's F9F |website=Check-Six.com |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=30 June 2023}}

References

=Citations=

=Bibliography=

{{cite book |last = Boyne |first = Walter J. |title = Air Warfare: an International Encyclopedia: A-L |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FW_50wm8VnMC&pg=PA277 |publisher = ABC-CLIO |date = 2002|isbn = 978-1-57607-345-2 }}
{{cite book |last = Danby |first = Peter A. |title = United States Navy Serials 1941 to 1976 |publisher = Merseyside Aviation Society |location = Liverpool, United Kingdom |date = 1977 |isbn = 0-902420-17-8}}
{{cite book |last = Davies |first = Peter E. |title = F9F Panther Vs Communist AAA: Korea 1950–53 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=uLV2EAAAQBAJ |publisher = Bloomberg |date = 2022 |isbn = 978-1-472-85064-5}}
{{cite book |last = Francillon |first = René J. |title = Grumman Aircraft since 1929 |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Putnam |date = 1989 |isbn = 0-85177-835-6}}
{{cite book |last1 = Grossnick |first1 = Roy |first2 = William J. |last2 = Armstrong |title = United States Naval Aviation, 1910-1995 |location = Annapolis, Maryland, United Kingdom |publisher = Naval Historical Center |date = 1997 |isbn = 0-16-049124-X}}
{{cite book |last = Hansen |first = James R. |title = First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong |publisher = Simon & Schuster |date = 2012 |isbn = 978-1-476-72781-3}}}
{{cite book |last = Hardy |first = Michael John |title = Sea, Sky and Stars: An Illustrated History of Grumman Aircraft |location = London, United States |publisher = Arms & Armour Press |date = 1987 |isbn = 978-0853688327}}
{{cite book |last = Kott |first = Richard C. |chapter = Attack from the Sky |editor-last = Marolda |editor-first = Edward |title = The United States Navy in the Korean War |location = Annapolis, Maryland, United States |publisher = Naval Institute Press |date = 2007 |isbn = 978-1591144878}}
{{cite journal |last = Meyer |first = Corwin H. |title = Grumman Panther |journal = Flight Journal |date = October 2002}}
{{cite book |last = Sears |first = David |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=nR1B5oARIJ4C |title = Such Men As These |publisher = ReadHowYouWant.com |date = 2010 |isbn = 978-1-458-76026-5}}
{{cite book |last1 = Swanborough |first1 = Gordon |first2 = Peter M. |last2 = Bowers |title = United States Navy Aircraft since 1911 |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Putnam |date = 1976 |isbn = 0-370-10054-9}}
{{cite book |last = Taylor |first = John W.R. |author-link = John W. R. Taylor |chapter = Grumman F9F Cougar |title = Combat Aircraft of the World from 1909 to the Present |location = New York, United States |publisher = G.P. Putnam's Sons |date = 1969 |isbn = 0-425-03633-2}}
{{cite book |last = Thomason |first = Tommy H. |title = U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of Shipborne Jet Fighters, 1943-1962 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=XkYcBQAAQBAJ |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2008 |isbn = 978-1-580-07110-9}}
{{cite book |editor-last = Winchester |editor-first = Jim |chapter = Grumman F9F Panther |title = Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile) |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Grange Books plc. |date = 2006 |isbn = 1-84013-929-3}}

= Online sources =

{{cite web |url = http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Artículos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |title = Grumman Panther en Argentina |trans-title = Grumman Panther in Argentina |last1 = Cicalesi |first1 = Juan Carlos |last2=Rivas |first2 = Santiago |language = es |date = 22 December 2008 |website = Instituto Aeronaval - Articulos - Historia |publisher = Instituto Aeronaval |access-date = 28 August 2014 |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029225043/http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Art%C3%ADculos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |archive-date = 29 October 2014 }}
{{cite web |url = http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-Panther.htm |title = CAZA BOMBARDEROS DE LA AVIACION NAVAL - Grumman F9F-2 Panther |trans-title = Naval Aviation Fighter-bombers - Grumman F9F-2 Panther |language = es |editor-first = Carlos |editor-last = Mey |website = Histarmar - Historia y Arqueologia Marítima |publisher = FUNDACION HISTARMAR |access-date = 29 August 2014 }}

External links

[http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/hist-ac/f9f.pdf U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News article on the F9F Panther] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209132740/http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/hist-ac/f9f.pdf |date=9 February 2006 }}
[http://www.airvectors.net/avf9f.html The Grumman F9F Panther/Cougar at Airvectors]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzENtmcIAF0 July 23, 1951 F9F Panther crash on USS Midway]

F09F1 Panther

Category:1940s United States fighter aircraft

Category:Single-engined jet aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:Carrier-based aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1947

Category:Cruciform tail aircraft

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear