Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat

USN VF-61 Jolly Rogers, White 101, 1949

SkyMax Flying Heroes 1:72 SM1013

In 1949, VF-61 operated the F8F Bearcat, one of the U.S. Navy's fastest piston-engine fighters. The Bearcat was designed for rapid climb and superior maneuverability, excelling in carrier operations during the post-World War II period. VF-61 pilots valued its powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine and rugged construction, which made it effective for fleet defense and air combat training. Although the jet age was emerging, the Bearcat remained a vital asset in 1949, bridging the gap between propeller-driven and jet fighters. VF-61's use of the F8F Bearcat represented the pinnacle of piston fighter development in the Navy.

Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat

Designed to emulate a captured Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and to outperform the Japanese A6M5 Zero, the Grumman F8F Bearcat was first flown on August 21, 1944. This single-engine US Navy aircraft was Grumman's last piston-engined fighter, possessing a number of innovative features including uniquely "detachable wingtips," which would snap off if g-forces reached a certain level. Though the Bearcat was considered one of the best-handling piston-engined fighters in history, it didn't become operational after the end of WWII. Still, the Bearcat earned an important place in history through its postwar service with the US Navy and its use by the Blue Angels aerobatic performance team.

The SkyMax “Flying Heroes” range features die-cast aircraft:

• Die-cast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details.
• Stamp-printed markings and panels that won't fade or peel like stickers.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.