The Grumman F9F Panther is one of the United States Navy’s first successful carrier-based jet fighters, as well as Grumman’s first jet fighter.
Variants
XF9F-2
Prototypes, two built
F9F-2
First production version, powered by Pratt & Whitney J42 engine.
F9F-2B
Version fitted with underwing racks for bombs and rockets.
As all F9F-2s were brought up to this standard, the B designation was dropped.
F9F-2P
Unarmed photo-reconnaissance version used in Korea.
XF9F-3
Prototype for the F9F-3.
F9F-3
Allison J33 powered version produced as insurance against the failure of the J42, with all converted to the J42 later; redesignated F-9B in 1962.
XF9F-4
Prototypes used in the development of the F9F-4.
F9F-4
Version with longer fuselage with greater fuel load and powered by J33 engine.
F9F-4s were the first aircraft to successfully employ pressurized bleed air, tapped from the engine’s compressor stages, and blown across the surface of the slot flaps, simulating a higher airspeed across the control surface, and thus achieving a decrease in stalling speed of 9 kn for take-off and 7 kn on power approach for landing; re-designated F-9C in 1962, 109 ordered, all completed as F9F-5s.
F9F-5
Variant of F9F-4, but powered by Pratt & Whitney J48 engine.
Re-designated F-9D in 1962.
F9F-5P
Unarmed photo-reconnaissance version, with longer nose; redesignated RF-9D in 1962.
F9F-5K
After the F9F Panther was withdrawn operational service, a number of F9F-5s were converted into unmanned target drone aircraft; redesignated QF-9D in 1962.
F9F-5KD
Radio controlled drone director conversions for F9F-5K drones; redesignated DF-9E in 1962.
