Warplanes of the USA: Grumman F9F Panther

Grumman F9F Panther

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 127210), of Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) "Corsairs" flies over ships of Task Force 77 with its arresting hook extended, prior to landing the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) during operations off North Korea on 4 July 1952. Note two aircraft carriers distantly visible above the plane. VF-24 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 2 aboard the Boxer for a deployment to Korea from 8 February to 26 September 1952. The F9F-2 127210 later ditched off USS Boxer on 26 July 1953 while in service with VF-151 "Black Knights".

The Grumman F9F Panther is an early carrier-based jet fighter. It was the first jet-powered fighter aircraft to seeair-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 the Second World War to harness the recent innovation of the jet engine. Grumman designed asingle-engined, straight-winged day fighter that was armed with four 20 mm(0.79 in) cannons and could also carry a wide assortment of air-to-groundmunitions. Production aircraft were typically powered by a single Allison J33or Pratt & Whitney J48-P-2 turbojet engine. On 21 November 1947, theprototype performed its maiden flight, powered by an imported Rolls-Royce Neneengine. During September 1949, the F9F was cleared for flight from aircraftcarriers.

The Panther was used extensively by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in theKorean War. On 3 July 1950, a F9F-3 recorded the first U.S. Navy air victory ofthe 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 During 1956, the type was withdrawn from front-linecombat service, but remained in secondary roles, such as for training and withU.S. Naval Air Reserve and U.S. Marine Air Reserve units, until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 late1954. 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 Panther's only export customer was Argentina, where it became the first jetaircraft 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 inthe 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. (Wikipedia)

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther jet fighter (BuNo. 126204) from Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) "Sundowners" in flight over mountainous Korean terrain. VF-111 was assigned to Air Task Group 1 (ATG-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) for a deployment to Korea from 30 March to 30 June 1953. The F9F-5 126204 was lost five days after this photograph was taken as it ran out of fuel and ditched at sea on 19 June 1953.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther jet fighter (BuNo. 126204) from Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) "Sundowners" in flight over mountainous Korean terrain. VF-111 was assigned to Air Task Group 1 (ATG-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) for a deployment to Korea from 30 March to 30 June 1953. The F9F-5 126204 was lost five days after this photograph was taken as it ran out of fuel and ditched at sea on 19 June 1953.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther of Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) "Flaming Panthers" on the deck edge elevator on board the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CVA-37) operating in the waters off Korea on 13 May 1953. VF-154 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 15 (CVG-15) aboard the Princeton for a deploymetn to the Western Pacific anc Korea from 24 January to 21 September 1953.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F-5 Panthers of fighter squadron VF-111 Sundowners on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39), Hong Kong harbour, 1953. VF-111 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Four (CVG-4) during the deployment to Korea and the Western Pacific from 30 Jun 1953 to 04 Dec 1953.

(USN Photo)

Four U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther fighters of Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) "Corsairs" fly in formation near the Korean coast after a strike on enemy positions. VF-24 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 2 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) for a deployment to Korea from 8 February to 26 September 1952.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F Panther showing its rocket load of six 6-inch weapons. In addition, the Panther may also carry two 1,000 pound bombs as well as its four 20mm guns.  August 1950.

(NMUSN Photo)

North American AJ Savage modified for use as a tanker, refuels a Grumman F9F Panther in evaluation tests at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, 25 August 1952.

(USN Photo)

Four U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panthers of Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) "Flaming Panthers" in flight. VF-154 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 15 (CVG-15) aboard the aircraft carrier aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 1 July 1954 to 28 February 1955.

(USN Photo)

Flying in a tight diamond formation, Gruman "Panthers" flown by pilot of Marine Fighter Squadron 115, roar over North Carolina waters in preparation for "open house" which will be held on Armed Forces Day, 20 May 1950. Visitors will have the opportunity to view these and many other type aircraft, both on the ground and in the air.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 122567) in flight. 122567 was the eighth production aircraft.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-3 Panther (BuNo 122562) operated by the Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River, Maryland (USA). This aircraft was fitted with an experimental electro-hydraulically driven Emerson Aero X17A roll-traverse turret housing four 12.7 mm machine guns, in 1950. The idea was that the aircraft could destroy enemy bombers while avoiding the fire of the tail gunner. The guns could be directed at any angle from directly forward to 20 degrees aft, and the gun mount could roll 360 degrees. The roll rate was 100 degrees per second, and the guns could be traversed at up to 200 degrees per second. Unfortunately, the volume required for the fire control system avionics, and the sheer weight of the turret, made it impractical for single-seat fighters and the program was cancelled in early 1954.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Grumman XF9F-2 (122477) at Floyd Bennett Field, 15 May 1948.

(USN Photo)

A Grumman XF9F-2 Panther prototype in flight, flown by Grumman test pilot C.H. "Corky" Meyers over Long Island, New York (USA), in 1948.

(USN Photo)

The tenth production Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 122569) in the late 1940s while being tested by the U.S. Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River, Maryland.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Grumman F9F-2 Panther Bu 123440 USMC Hamilton, 1950.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman F9F-5P Panther (BuNo 126281) of Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron VMCJ-3 in flight.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F Panther. Lt Commander John W Ramsey Leads Squadron VF-111 Sundowners into Battle in the Korean War.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32) launches aircraft off Korea. A Vought F4U-4 Corsair of Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) "Tarsiers" is launched from the starboard catapult and a Douglas AD-3N Skyraider of Composite Squadron 33 (VC-33) Det.3 "Avengers" is ready for launching from the port catapult. Two Grumman F9F-2 Panther of VF-31 "Tomcatters" are visible in the foreground. All squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the Leyte for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Korea from 6 September 1950 to 3 February 1951.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2B Panther of Fighter Squadron 721 (VF-721) "Starbusters" and a F9F-2P of Composite Squadron 61 (VC-61) "Eyes of the Fleet", Detachment F, return to the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) following a combat mission over Korea, 6 August 1951. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 101 (CVG-101) aboard the Boxer for a deployment to Korea from 2 March to 24 October 1951.

(USN Photo)

Lt. Joseph J. MacBrien, an exchange pilot from the Royal Canadian Navy lands his Grumman F9F-5 Panther (BuNo. 126034), VF 781, coded 109, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany off the coast of Korea on 15 November 1952.

(USN Photo)

The Landing Signal Officer on board the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) brings in the last Grumman F9F-2 Panther from a combat mission over North Korea. The aircraft was from Fighter Squadron 151 (VF-151) "Black Knights" (tail code H-3XX). VF-151 was assigned to Air Task Group 101 (ATG-101) aboard the Boxer for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Korea from 30 March to 28 November 1953.

(USN Photo)

Two Grumman F9F-5 Panters (BuNos 125553 and 125893?) of fighter squadron VF-114 Executioners waiting to be launched from the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) in 1955. VF-114 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Eleven (CVG-11) during this deployment from 7 Oct 1954 to 12 May 1955 to the Western Pacific.

(USN Photo)

Armed U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panthers from Fighter Squadron 192 (VF-192) "Fighting 192" on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 17 March 1954. VF-192 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 19 (CVG-19) aboard the Oriskany for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 14 September 1953 to 22 April 1954.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther (BuNo 125644) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" in flight. VF-111 was assigned to Air Task Group 1 (ATG-1) abord the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) for a deployment to Korea and the Western Pacific from 30 March to 30 June 1953. VF-111 then cross-decked to Carrier Air Group 4 (CVG-4) aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5P Panther (BuNo 126270) of Composite Squuadron VC-61 "Eyes of the Fleet" in flight over Naval Air Station North Island and Point Loma, California

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther jets of Advanced Training Unit ATU-206 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida (USA), in 1956.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther (BuNo 126066) in flight in front of a snow capped volcano. The aircraft is the personal aircraft of the Commander, Carrier Air Group 2. The photo was probably taken in 1953-54 when fighter squadrons VF-63 "Fighting Redcocks" and VF-64 "Free Lancers" flying F9F-5s were assigned to CVG-2 for a deployment to the Western Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Air Force Boeing SB-29 Super Dumbo (s/n 44-70128) in flight with a U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5P Panther from Composite Squadron VC-61 Det.F Eyes of the Fleet. VC-61 Det.F was assigned to Carrier Air Group 14 (CVG-14) aboard the aircraft Carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) for a deployment to the Western Pacfic from 3 June 1955 to 3 February 1956.

(USN Photo)

A Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo. 123494) of fighter squadron VF-21 Mach Busters on the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVB-41) in 1952. VF-21 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6) and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea from 9 Jan 1952 to 5 May 1952.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 123689) from Fighter Squadron 34 (VF-34) "Blue Blasters" after landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32). VF-34 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the Leyte for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 3 September to 21 December 1951.

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panthers of Fighter Squadron VF-121 "Peacemakers" (D-1XX), VF-122 "Black Angels (D-2XX), and Douglas AD-3 Skyraiders of Attack Squadron VA-125 "Rough Riders" (D-5XX) on the snow covered deck of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in Japanese waters. All squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 12 (CVG-12) aboard the Oriskany for a deployment to Korea from 15 September 1952 to 18 May 1953.

(USN Photo)

Maintenance of Grumman F9F-2 Panther of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team in 1949.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F-5 Panther jets of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team Blue Angels, 8 December 1952.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F-5 Panther fighters of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerobatic team fly in formation over Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida (USA), on 9 January 1954. Three of the four planes are BuNos. 125258, 125294 and 125305.

(USN Photo)

Grumman F9F Panther flying escort for photo plane near Sinpo Korea. Piloted by Lieutenant Junior Grade T.G. Nielson, USNR, 9 June 1951.

(USN Photo)

A Grumman F9F-2 Panther of fighter squadron VF-112 Fighting Twelve being towed on the deck of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). VF-112 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) aboard the Philippine Sea for a deployment to Korea from 5 July 1950 to 26 March 1951.

(USN Photo)

A Grumman F9F-2 Panther jet (BuNo 123575) of fighter squadron VF-72 Hawks, Carrier Air Group Seven (CVG-7), goes up the elevator on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) to the flight deck where it was gassed and armed for a Thansgiving Day strike in Korea on 27 November 1952.

(USN Photo)

Armed U.S. Marine Corps Grumman F9F-2 Panther fighters of Marine Major James "Buzz" Sawyer's squadron VMF-115 Able Eagles taxi down the runway at Pohang, Korea, on 15 March 1953.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (left: BuNo 123583) from Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-191) "Satan's Kittens" dump fuel as they fly past the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV-37), during Korean War operations, circa in May 1951. VF-191 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 19 (CVG-19) aboard the Princeton for a deployment to Korea from 9 November 1950 to 29 May 1951.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 123030) of Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) "Corsairs" in flight over Kojo Island, South Korea. The plane was piloted by Lt(JG) G.W. Stinnett. VF-24 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 2 (CVG-2) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Korea from 8 February to 26 September 1952.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther jets from Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51) "Screaming Eagles" during a sortie over Korea, in 1951-52. VF-51 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 5 (CVG-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) for a deployment to Korea from 26 June 1951 to 25 March 1952. The pilot of the lead plane ("S-107") was Lt.JG George Russell, "S-116" was flown by Ens. Neil Armstrong.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo 123469, nicknamed "Papasan") attached to fighter squadron VF-71, Carrier Air Group Seven (CVG-7), on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) flies over Task Force 77 engaged operations against North Korean targets on 1 August 1952. The carriers were USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), USS Essex (CV-9) (right) and the USS Princeton (CV-37).

(USN Photo)

Four U.S. Naval Reserve Grumman F9F-2B Panthers from Fighter Squadron VF-721 "Iron Angels" in flight over the USS Tingey (DD-539). VF-721 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 101 (CVG-101) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) for a deployment to Korea from 2 March to 24 October 1951.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther from Fighter Squadron 52 (VF-52) "Knightriders" prepares for launch from the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) off Korea on 19 July 1950. VF-52 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 5 (CVG-5) aboard the "Happy Valley" for a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Korean War from 1 May to 1 December 1950. Note the details of the ship's island, including scoreboard at left.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2B Panther (BuNo 127190) of Fighter Squadron VF-112 "Fighting Twelve" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). VF-112 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) aboard the Philippine Sea for a deployment to Korea from 5 July 1950 to 26 March 1951.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2P Panther photo plane from Composite Squadron VC-61 Det.N "Eyes of the Fleet" parked on the hangar deck of USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), during operations off Korea on 15 November 1952. The plane bears markings for 85 missions and is nicknamed "Life", after the popular pictorial magazine. VC-61 Det.N was assigned to Carrier Air Group 7 (CVG-7) aboard the Bon Homme Richard for a deployment to the Korean War from 20 May 1952 to 8 January 1953.

(USN Photo)

A Grumman F9F-2 Panther of fighter squadron VF-52 Knight Riders aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) on 4 July 1950. VF-52 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 5 (CVG-5) for a deployement to the Western Pacific from 1 May to 1 December 1950.

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther fighters of fighter squadron VF-93 Blue Blazers being launched for a mission over Korea from the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). VF-93 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 9 (CVG-9) for a deployement to Korea and the Western Pacific from 15 December 1952 to 14 August 1953.

(NASA Photo)

Grumman F9F-4 Panther (BuNo. 121156), with NACA Pilots Innis and Rolls on the NACA Ames ramp in front of Hangar 211, 14 August 1955.

(NASA Photo)

A Grumman F9F-2 Panther (BuNo. 122560) at the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory at Hampton, Virginia (USA). Originally built as a F9F-3, this Grumman F9F-2 Panther had a Pratt & Whitney J42 turbojet power plant, hence the designation change. This Panther underwent handling quality tests, serving long enough at Langley to witness the change from the NACA to NASA on 1 October 1958.

Grumman F9F Panthers preserved in the USA
‍

Airworthy

F9F-2B

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(Erich Friedebach Photo)

(nyvhek Photo)
123078 - Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas. Moved to North Texas Regional Airport in Denison, Texas.

On display

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F9F-2

(Greg Goebel Photo)

(Alan Raine Photo)
123050 - National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

(BrokenSphere Photo)

123517 - USS Hornet (CV-12), on the flight deck, Alameda, California.

(Robert Dilley Photos)
123557 - VFW Post 1621 in Janesville, Wisconsin.

(Author Photos)
123612 - NAS Oceana Air Park, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

(Tomas Del Coro Photos)

(Phillip Beckers Photos)

(Jerry Gunner Photo)

(Alan Wilson Photo)

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)
123652 - Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. c/n K.357. Built in 1950 and served with VF-721 ”Iron Angels” on USS Boxer (CV-21) during the Korean War. It later flew with VF-821 “Kingpins” and VF-51 “Screaming Eagles” before being used for pilot training at several locations across the United States. It was retired in 1956 having flown 1,575 hours. It is painted to represent a Panther flown by Captain W.A. Bloomer while serving with VMF-311 “Tomcats”. He would later become Brigadier General Bloomer, Commander Marine Corps Air Bases West, and was fundamental in establishing the Flying Leathernecks museum. Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum Miramar, California.

(Eric Salard Photo)

(aeroprints Photo)
125183 - Pima Air & Space Museum, adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona.

(Daniel L. Berek Photo)
127120 - Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum at the former NAS JRB Willow Grove in Horsham, Pennsylvania. V-209, C/N K-526.

F9F-2B
123526 - National Museum of the Marine Corps, adjacent to Marine Corps BaseQuantico in Triangle, Virginia.

F9F-4

(Paul @badesso Photo)
125180 - Lion's Park in Costa Mesa, California.

F9F-5

(Greg Goebel Photo)

(Jeff Kubina Photo)
BuNo. unknown, painted as 141136, USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.

(ZLEA Photo)
125295 - Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida.

(formulanone Photo)

(Dave Gorman Photos)
125992 - Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

(Erich Friedebach Photo)
126226 - Combat Air Museum adjacent to Forbes Air National Guard Base at Topeka Regional Airport / Forbes Field (former Forbes AFB) in Topeka, Kansas.

(Tom Tessier Photo)
126275 - Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

F9F-5P

(David Ensor Photo)
125316 - Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs, California.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)
126277 - Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino, California.

Under restoration or in storage

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F9F-2

(Alan Wilson Photo)
123054 - under restoration at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
123092 - in storage for restoration at USS John F. Kennedy Museum in North Kingston, Rhode Island.
123420 - in storage at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.

F9F-5
125467 - in storage by private owner in Bulverde, Texas.‍