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The original layout of this single-seat carrier-based fighter provided for the installation of four wing-mounted Westinghouse 19XB-2B (Navy J30) axial-flow jets. But this arrangement was abandoned in favour of one fuselage-mounted high-powered turbojet engine before prototype construction began, a change prompted by the successful tests conducted by the Navy in December 1946 with two imported Rolls-Royce Nene engines.
The first prototype XF9F-2 was powered by an imported Nene engine and flew for the first time on 24 November 1947. The second prototype was similarly fitted, but the third (the XF9F-3) had an Allison J33 engine. Production aircraft were divided between Nene and Allison-powered models, the former engines licence-built by Pratt & Whitney as J42s.
The first production F9F-2, powered by a 22.24kN J42-P-6, flew for the first time on 24 November 1948. The 20.46kN J33-A-8-powered prototype flew for the first time on 15 August 1948 and a total of 418 of both versions were built. However the F9F-2 proved to be the better version and the F9F-3s were re-engined to F9F-2 standard. The F9F-4 (73 of which were ordered originally) was powered by an Allison J33-A-16 engine, but none was completed and the contracts were combined with those for more than 580 27.80kN Pratt & Whitney J48-P-4/6A-engined F9F-5s (which flew for the first time on 21 December 1949). The F9F-5P was a photographic-reconnaissance version with a longer camera nose.
Panthers are remembered in US Navy history as their first jet fighter to be used in combat, introduced into the Korean War on 3 July 1950, as well as for recording a victory against an enemy jet aircraft, a MiG-15, on 9 November 1950.
| MODEL | F9F-5 |
| CREW | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 x Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6A turbo-jet, 27.8kN |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 8492 kg | 18722 lb |
| Empty weight | 4603 kg | 10148 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 11.58 m | 37 ft 12 in |
| Length | 11.84 m | 38 ft 10 in |
| Height | 3.73 m | 12 ft 3 in |
| Wing area | 23.23 m2 | 250.05 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 932 km/h | 579 mph |
| Cruise speed | 774 km/h | 481 mph |
| Ceiling | 13045 m | 42800 ft |
| Range | 2092 km | 1300 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 4 x 20mm cannon, 2 x 454kg bombs or 6 x 127mm missiles |
 | A three-view drawing of F9F-2 Panther (1278 x 902) |
| Patrick K. Morrison, morrisonpkm(@)aol.com, 16.04.2009 Correction to information previously provided. He was stationed on the Essex cv9 in 1951 not 48-49. He was stationed on Patron squadron 1,2,3 in 48&49.
Sorry for the incorrect info. | | Patrick K. Morrison, morrisonpkm(@)aol.com, 16.04.2009 Correction to information previously provided. He was stationed on the Essex cv9 in 1951 not 48-49. He was stationed on Patron squadron 1,2,3 in 48&49.
Sorry for the incorrect info. | | Patrick K. Morrison, morrisonpkm(@)aol.com, 16.04.2009 My step father was origionaly on the Essex (CV-9)in 1948-49. His cruise book from when he was based on it states that his carrier was the first to have the F9F (Panther) and the F2H (Banshee) which was a twin jet. I will grill him a little more for some old stories. He was on the fuel crew on deck. Had to be a site to see. | | Richard A. Picard, Picard734(@)aol.com, 06.05.2008 I have worked on many aircraft and enjoyed the history and technology especially with Grumman Aircraft. My latest adventure is the restoration of a privately owned F9F-2 by the USS Saratoga Museum at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Until a few years ago this was an airworthy aircraft and now will be restored to its original configuration. The USS Saratoga Museum is always looking for information, volunteers and items relating to this historic aircraft. | | Bill Paulson, paulson(@)imsday.com, 22.04.2008 Have always liked the color of this aircraft and would like to have specs, if possible, for the paint so I can paint a "toy" {older Corvette} some day. |
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