Grumman F9F-5 Panther
Grumman F9F-5 Panther |
| The F9F-5 Panther was the first jet fighter designed by Grumman. The first of two XF9F-2 made its maiden flight on 24 November 1947. Unlike the three prototypes, all production Panthers had permanent wingtip tanks. Different jet engines were tested and the final F9F-5 had a 2 feet fuselage extension and a taller fin. |
| The carrier-based F9F-2s made history when they became the first US Navy jets to down a jet fighter MiG-15 over Korea on 3 July 1950. |
| Apart from the five prototypes (2 XF9F-2, 1 XF9F-3, 1 XF9F-4, 1 XF9F-5), a total of 477 F9F-2s, 69 F9F-3s, 655 F9F-5s and 28 F9F-5Ps (reconnaissance aircraft) were built. Some of the Panther were converted to target drone or drone controller F9F-5KD (redesignated DF-9Es in 1962). |
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| Engine | One Pratt & Whittney J48-P-6A turbojet |
| Thrust | 6,250 lbs each |
| Length | 38 ft 10 in |
| Wingspan | 38 ft |
| Height | 12 ft 3 in |
| Empty Weight | 10,147 lbs |
| Max. Weight | 18,721 lbs |
| Max. Speed | 579 mph |
| Cruise Speed | 481 mph |
| Ceiling | 42,800 ft |
| Ferry Range | 1,300 miles |
| Armament | Four 20 mm guns |
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