Operational History During World War II
The Grumman F8F Bearcat was a high-performance, carrier-based fighter developed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation for the U.S. Navy.
Although designed during World War II, its operational history during the conflict was extremely limited due to its late arrival.
Development Timeline
Design Initiation
Mid-1943, inspired by combat experience and feedback from F4F Wildcat pilots after the Battle of Midway.
First Flight
August 21, 1944.
Production Orders
On October 6, 1944, the U.S. Navy ordered 2,023 F8F-1s.
On February 5, 1945, General Motors contracted to build 1,876 F3M-1 Bearcats (later cancelled).
Innovations
Bubble canopy for improved visibility.
Safety wing tips designed to break off under extreme G-forces (later abandoned).
Lightweight airframe for superior climb and manoeuvrability.
World War II Service
First Deliveries
May 21, 1945, to VF-19 squadron.
Combat Use
None during WWII.
The Bearcat was delivered too late to see action before the war ended in August 1945.
Deployment Status
VF-19 was en route aboard USS Langley when the war concluded.
Impact of War’s End
Production Cuts
The Grumman order was reduced to 770 aircraft.
General Motors’ entire contract was cancelled.
Operational Role
Post-war, the Bearcat became a frontline U.S. Navy and Marine Corps fighter, equipping 24 Navy squadrons.
Legacy
Though it missed combat in WWII, the Bearcat was celebrated for its performance and agility.
It became a favourite among pilots and air racers and was famously flown by the Blue Angels from 1946 to 1949.
Variants
XF8F-1
Prototype aircraft, two built
F8F-1 Bearcat
Single-seat fighter aircraft, equipped with folding wings, a retractable tailwheel, self-sealing fuel tanks, a very small dorsal fin, powered by a 2,100 hp (1,600 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W Double Wasp radial piston engine, armed with four 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns, 658 built
F8F-1B Bearcat
Single-seat fighter version, armed with four AN/M3 20 mm cannons, 100 built
F8F-1C Bearcat
Originally designated F8F-1C, redesignated as F8F-1B, 126 built
F8F-1D
F8F-1s converted into drone control aircraft
F8F-1(D)B Bearcat
Unofficial designation for export version for France and Thailand
F8F-1E Bearcat
F8F-1 night-fighter prototype carrying APS-4 radar
XF8F-1N
F8F-1 conversion into night fighter prototypes
F8F-1N Bearcat
Night fighter version, equipped with an APS-19 radar, 12 built
F8F-1P Bearcat
F8F-1 conversion photo reconnaissance conversion
XF8F-2
F8F-1 conversion with engine upgrade, revised engine cowling, taller tail
F8F-2 Bearcat
Improved version, equipped with a redesigned engine cowling and taller fin and rudder, armed with four 20 mm cannons, powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-30W radial piston engine, 293 built
F8F-2D
F8F-2s converted into drone control aircraft
F8F-2N Bearcat
Night-fighter version, equipped with an APS-19 radar, 12 built
F8F-2P Bearcat
Photo-reconnaissance version, fitted with camera equipment, armed with two 20 mm (0.79 in) cannons, 60 built
B.Kh.15
Royal Thai Air Force designation for the F8F-1.
