Grumman F9F-2 "Panther"

The Grumman F9F Panther was the manufacturer's first jet fighter and one of the United States Navy's first successful carrier-based jet fighters. A single-engined, straight-winged day fighter, it was fitted with an armament of four 20 mm cannons and could carry a wide assortment of air-to-ground munitions. First flight November 1947.

The Panther was used extensively by the U.S. Navy and the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War. It was also was the first jet aircraft used by the Blue Angels flight team, being used by them from 1949 through to late 1954.

The Museum’s F9F-2 is Bureau# 127120. This aircraft spent the majority of its life at the Naval Air Development Center in Johnsville, PA. These aircrafts, however, first flew combat missions in Korea. They also became the first jet used for the Navy’s “Blue Angel” demonstration team.

Photo 71, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

Grumman F9F-2 "Panther"

Photo 73, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

Grumman F9F-2 "Panther"

Note "Ted Williams" name

Photo 72, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014