View source for Grumman F9F Panther

{{Short description|US Navy carrier-based jet fighter}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
| name = F9F Panther
| image = File:Grumman F9F-2 Panther of VF-112 in flight, circa in 1951 (1564-78).jpg
| caption = An F9F Panther in flight
| type = [[Carrier-based]] [[fighter-bomber]]
| manufacturer = [[Grumman]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 21 November 1947
| introduction = May 1949 <ref>{{cite web |title=F9F-2 Panther |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nnam/explore/collections/aircraft/f/f9f-2-panther.html#:~:text=Grumman's%20first%20jet%20fighter%2C%20the,Forge%20(CV%2D45). |website=National Naval Aviation Museum |access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>
| retired = 1958, U.S. Navy<br/> 1969, Argentina
| status = 
| primary_user = [[United States Navy]]
| more_users = [[United States Marine Corps]]<br/> [[Argentine Navy]]
| produced = 
| number_built = 1,385<ref name = "thomason 61">Thomason 2008, p. 61.</ref>
| variants = 
| developed_into = [[Grumman F-9 Cougar]]
}}

The '''Grumman F9F Panther''' is an early [[aircraft carrier|carrier-based]] [[jet fighter]] designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer [[Grumman]]. It was the first jet-powered fighter aircraft to see air-to-air combat with the [[United States Navy]] as well as being Grumman’s first jet fighter.

Development of the Panther commenced in the final months of [[World War II]] to harness the recent innovation of the jet engine. Grumman designed a single-engined, straight-winged [[day fighter]] that was armed with four {{convert|20|mm|abbr=on}} [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|cannons]] and could also carry a wide assortment of air-to-ground munitions. Production aircraft were typically powered by a single [[Allison J33]] or [[Pratt & Whitney J48]]-P-2 [[turbojet]] engine. On 21 November 1947, the prototype performed its [[maiden flight]], powered by an imported [[Rolls-Royce Nene]] engine. During September 1949, the F9F was cleared for flight from aircraft carriers.

The Panther was used extensively by the U.S. Navy and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] in the [[Korean War]]. On 3 July 1950, a F9F-3 recorded the first U.S. Navy air victory of the conflict, having shot down a propeller-powered [[Yak-9]]. In the Korean theatre, Panther pilots cumulatively claimed the shooting down of seven [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]]s. During 1956, the type was withdrawn from front-line combat service, but remained in secondary roles, such as for training and with U.S. Naval Air Reserve and U.S. Marine Air Reserve units, until 1958. The Panther was also the first jet aircraft used by the [[Blue Angels]] [[aerobatics]] demonstration team, being flown in this capacity from 1949 through to late 1954. Future [[astronaut]]s [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[John Glenn]] both flew the F9F extensively during the Korean War.

While Australia was interested in the Panther during the late 1940s, the nation ultimately opted for the [[Gloster Meteor|Gloster Meteor F.8]] and the [[CAC Sabre]] instead. The aircraft's only export customer was [[Argentina]], where it became the first jet aircraft to be operated by the [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]. It was operated mainly from land, as the [[aircraft catapult|catapult]]s of the aircraft carrier [[HMS Warrior (R31)|ARA ''Independencia'']] lacked sufficient power to readily launch the F9F. Several Panthers participated in the [[1963 Argentine Navy Revolt]], firing upon Argentine Army forces sent to quell the revolt. During 1969, it was withdrawn from Argentine service due to a lack of spare parts. 

Grumman would develop the F9F design in response to U.S. Navy interest, producing the [[swept wing]] [[Grumman F-9 Cougar]].

==Design and development==
===Background===
[[File:Grumman G-75 (XF9F-1) mfr 891062-3 (GHC via RJF) (18356559201).jpg|thumb|Manufacturer's model of the G-75 (XF9F-1)]]
[[File:XF9F-3 XF9F-2 NAN12-48.jpg|thumb|The XF9F-2 and XF9F-3 prototypes in 1948]]

The origins of the Panther can be traced back to development studies performed by Grumman into jet-powered fighter aircraft near the end of [[World War II]]. The company was keen to capitalise on the emergence of the first practical jet engines by integrating them into a new aircraft design. This design, which was internally designated ''G-75'', was submitted to a [[United States Navy]] competition that sought a jet-powered [[night fighter]] to equip its [[aircraft carrier]]s with. However, on 3 April 1946, it was announced that the [[Douglas F3D Skyknight]], a competing two-seat aircraft powered by four [[Westinghouse J30]] [[turbojet]]s, had been selected. On 11 April 1946, the Navy's [[Bureau of Aeronautics]] (BuAer) issued a development contract to Grumman to produce a pair of G-75 prototypes, which were given the Navy designation ''XF9F-1'', in case development of the Skyknight encountered severe problems.<ref name = "boyne 277">Boyne 2002, p. 277.</ref>

Shortly thereafter, Grumman recognised that the G-75 did not have much potential for either performance or growth; the company had already undertaken work on a completely different single-engine day fighter, the ''G-79''. In a bureaucratic maneuver, BuAer opted not to cancel the G-75 contract, but instead changed the wording to include three prototypes of the entirely different G-79. It was this design that became the Panther.<ref>Hardy 1987, p. 79.</ref><ref name = "davies 6">Davies 2022, p. 6.</ref>

At that time, the few American engines that were available for use, such as the [[Allison J33]] and [[Westinghouse J34]], were not considered to be sufficiently reliable;<ref>Noland, David. "Panther at sea, ''Air and Space'', June/July 2013, p. 29.</ref> thus, the Navy specified the imported [[Rolls-Royce Nene]] turbojet, which was also more powerful, at {{cvt|5,000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust. Production aircraft were to also be powered by the Nene, built [[licenced production|under license]] by [[Pratt & Whitney]] as the J42.<ref name = "boyne 203">Boyne 2002, p. 203.</ref><ref name = "thomason 58">Thomason 2008, p. 58.</ref> Since there was insufficient space within the wings and fuselage to provide sufficient fuel for the thirsty jet engine, the design team opted to add permanently mounted [[Aircraft_fuel_tank#Tip_tanks|wingtip fuel tanks]], which had incidental advantage of improving the fighter's rate of [[Aircraft_principal_axes#Longitudinal_axis_(roll)|roll]].<ref>Winchester 2004, p. 96.</ref><ref name = "thomason 59"/> The wings featured another innovation in the form of [[leading edge]] [[flap (aeronautics)|flap]]s that generated additional lift while landing; [[Air brake (aeronautics)|speed brake]]s were also present on the underside of the fuselage.<ref name = "thomason 58"/>

===Flight testing===
On 21 November 1947, the prototype Panther conducted its [[maiden flight]], piloted by test pilot Corky Meyer.<ref>Meyer 2002, {{page needed|date=July 2023}}.</ref><ref name = "thomason 589">Thomason 2008, pp. 58-59.</ref> It was followed by the second prototype only five days later.<ref name = "thomason 59"/> Initial issues with directional and longitudinal stability were encountered, but were quickly rectified. During one early land-based [[arresting gear]] test, the detachable rear section of the aircraft unintentionally came off; remedial changes were made to avoid any future repetition.<ref name = "thomason 59">Thomason 2008, p. 59.</ref>

During May 1949, carrier suitability trails commenced.<ref name = "davies 6"/><ref name = "thomason 59"/> In September 1949, the F9F was cleared for flight from aircraft carriers. During the development phase, Grumman decided to change the Panther's engine, selecting the [[Pratt & Whitney J48]]-P-2, a license built version of the [[Rolls-Royce RB.44 Tay]]. The other engine that had been tested was the Allison J33-A-16. The armament was a quartet of 20&nbsp;mm guns, the Navy having already switched to this caliber (as opposed to the USAAF/USAF which continued to use .50 caliber [[M2 Browning|M2/M3]] guns). In addition, the Panther was soon armed with underwing air-to-ground rockets and up to {{convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of bombs.

[[File:F9F-3 Panther with Emerson turret in flight in early 1950s.jpg|thumb|An F9F-3 Panther fitted with an experimental Emerson turret housing four 12.7 mm machine guns, in 1950]]

From 1946, interest in developing an aircraft that harnessed the increasingly popular [[swept wing]] grew and, following concerns that the Panther was inferior to its MiG opponents over the skies of Korea, Grumman launched work on a conversion project, known as Design 93. This effort resulted in a swept-wing derivative, the [[Grumman F-9 Cougar|F9F Cougar]], which retained the Panther's designation number.<ref name="Taylor p. 506">Taylor 1969, p. 506.</ref><ref name = "boyne 2778">Boyne 2002, pp. 277-278.</ref> Later stage development work on the Panther continued, being largely focused on engine improvements, expanding fuel capacity, and the use of alternative munitions.<ref name = "thomason 5960">Thomason 2008, pp. 59-60.</ref>

In 1949, the Panther was considered by the [[Australia]]n government, as a possible locally-built replacement for the [[P-51 Mustang|Mustang]] Mk 23 and [[De Havilland Vampire]] then operated by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF).<ref>[http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A94.htm RAAF Museum, 2009, ''A94 CAC Sabre''] (14 December 2012).</ref> The other designs considered initially were an Australian design, the [[CAC CA-23]] (an unconventional, twin-jet [[all-weather fighter]]) and the [[Hawker P.1081]]. By mid-1950, however, RAAF Mustangs were in action in [[Korean War|Korea]] and seen as highly vulnerable to the [[MiG-15]]. An immediately available stop-gap in the shape of the [[Gloster Meteor|Gloster Meteor F.8]] was operated by the RAAF in Korea from July 1951. (After its less-than-satisfactory performance against MiGs, the Meteor was replaced from 1954 by the [[CAC Sabre]] – an Australian-built, up-engined variant of the F-86.<ref>RAAF Museum, 2009, ''A94 CAC Sabre''.</ref>)

==Operational history==

===US Navy===
[[File:F9F-2 VF-111 NAN9-52.jpg|thumb|A VF-111 F9F-2 dropping bombs in Korea, 1951/52]]

The Panther was the primary jet fighter and ground-attack aircraft of both the US Navy and USMC during the [[Korean War]]. It was the widest used Navy jet fighter of the conflict, cumulatively flying 78,000 sorties. F9F-2s, F9F-3s and F9F-5s, as rugged attack aircraft, were able to sustain operations despite being frequently opposed by intense anti-aircraft fire. The pilots also appreciated the air conditioned cockpit, which made for a welcome change from the humid environment of piston-powered aircraft.<ref>Noland, David, Panthers at sea, Air & Space, June/July 2013, pp. 30-31.</ref><ref name = "davies 5">Davies 2022, p. 5.</ref>

On 3 July 1950, [[Lieutenant, junior grade]] Leonard H. Plog, of [[VF-51]], flying an F9F-3 scored the first US Navy air victory of the war by shooting down a propeller-powered [[Yak-9]].<ref>Kott 2007, p. 293.</ref><ref name = "davies 29">Davies 2022, p. 29.</ref>

Despite their relatively low speed, Panther pilots also claimed seven [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]]s, for the loss of two F9Fs. The first MiG-15 was downed on 9 November 1950, by [[Lieutenant Commander]] William (Bill) Amen of [[VF-111]] flying an F9F-2B, during a [[United Nations Command|UN Command]] attack on the [[Sinuiju]] bridges, near the mouth of the Yalu River.<ref name = "boyne 277"/> Two more MiG-15s were downed on 18 November 1950.

On 18 November 1952, the American aircraft carrier {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} and three other carriers were operating in the [[Sea of Japan]] conducting air strikes against the North Korean city of [[Hoeryong]]. The group launched four F9F's for a combat patrol near the North Korean border with China. The group's leader suffered mechanical problems and returned to the carrier together with his wingman. Lt [[Royce Williams]] of [[VF-121|VF-781]], flying off {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} and his wingman continued on the mission. They then identified seven [[Soviet Naval Aviation]] MiGs heading towards the task force from the Russian mainland. The naval commanders therefore ordered the two F9Fs to position themselves between the MiGs and the carrier group.<ref name=Cleaver>Cleaver, Thomas M. "Four Down! The Korean Combat the U.S. Tried to Forget." ''Flight Journal'', June 2013, pp. 42–49.</ref><ref name=Lendon>{{cite web |url = https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/20/asia/korean-war-fighter-pilot-soviet-shootdown-intl-hnk-ml/index.html  |title = US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes – and kept it a secret for 50 years |last = Lendon |first = Brad |access-date = 21 January 2023 }}</ref>

During this maneuver, four Soviet MiG-15s opened fire, despite the fact that the countries were not at war. Williams opened fire on the tail MiG, which dropped out of formation, and was followed down by Williams's wingman. What followed was a 35-minute dogfight between Williams and six MiG-15s. The MiG-15 was a more capable plane, but Williams nevertheless succeeded in shooting down three more. He ascribed this to both sides doing as they were trained, but the Soviet pilots making mistakes. While heading back to the carriers, Williams was out of ammo, but still had one MiG on his tail. The re-appearance of his wingman on the MiG's tail then scared this one off. By that time Williams's plane was so damaged that he could not turn sideways anymore. ''Oriskany'' was therefore aligned with the plane, so he could land. After landing, his Panther was found to have 263 hits by cannon shells or fragments and was beyond repair. It was therefore pushed overboard.<ref name=Cleaver/><ref name=Lendon />

The engagement is little-known for two reasons. The US feared that publication of the incident could increase tensions with the Soviet Union.<ref name=Lendon /> Another reason was the involvement of the US [[National Security Agency]] (NSA) – the existence of which was then top secret – in planning the mission; the MiGs were intercepted as a result of intelligence provided by the NSA.<ref name=Cleaver/> The four MiGs that were shot down were flown by [[Soviet Naval Aviation]] pilots: Russian sources confirmed Williams's claims, 40 years later, stating the pilots lost were Captains Belyakov and Vandalov, and Lieutenants Pakhomkin and Tarshinov.<ref name=Cleaver/>

As the conflict progressed, Panthers became primarily tasked with ground attack missions.<ref name = "davies 63">Davies 2022, p. 63.</ref> Attacks upon hostile anti-aircraft equipment were commonly conducted.<ref name = "davies 5862">Davies 2022, pp. 58-62.</ref> This was a risky mission type, with numerous Panthers being damaged or even lost to fire from the same ground batteries that they were seeking to neutralize.<ref name = "davies 373961">Davies 2022, p. 37-39, 61.</ref> Furthermore, the danger posed by these systems increased over time as more capable AA apparatus was supplied to the North Korean force.<ref name = "davies 64">Davies 2022, p. 64.</ref> Panthers also routinely undertook aerial reconnaissance missions over Korea.<ref name = "davies 7174">Davies 2022, pp. 71-74.</ref> Starting in 1952, the Panther began to be supplemented by the newer Cougar derivative in the theatre.<ref name = "davies 77">Davies 2022, p. 77.</ref>

Future astronaut [[Neil Armstrong]] flew the F9F extensively during the Korean conflict,<ref name = "sears 244">Sears 2010, p. 244.</ref> although he ejected from one of the aircraft after it was brought down by a wire strung across a valley in 1951.<ref>Hansen 2012, pp. 82-94.</ref> Future astronaut [[John Glenn]] and [[Boston Red Sox]] [[all-star]] baseball player [[Ted Williams]] also flew the F9F as Marine Corps pilots.

During 1956, the Panther was withdrawn from frontline combat service, having been displaced by new fighter aircraft, including its swept-wing Cougar derivative.<ref name = "boyne 2778"/><ref name = "davies 81">Davies 2022, p. 81.</ref> However, the type remained active in secondary roles, such as for training and with U.S. Naval Air Reserve and U.S. Marine Air Reserve units, until 1958. The Navy's [[Blue Angels]] flight demonstration team used the Panther for four years, beginning in 1951. The Panther was the Blue Angels' first jet.<ref>Noland, David, Panthers at sea, Air & Space, June/July 2013, p. 35.</ref> Some Panthers continued to serve in small numbers into the 1960s.<ref>Winchester 2004, p. 97.</ref> From September 1962, surviving operational Panthers were designated F-9 within the new combined US tri-service designation system.<ref>Danby 1977, p. 57.</ref>

===Argentine Navy===
 [[File:Argentine F9F Panther in 1963.jpg|thumb|Argentine Panther attacks Army column during the [[1963 Argentine Navy revolt]]]]

The only foreign buyer of the Panther was the [[Argentine Naval Aviation]], which purchased 28 ex-USN F9F-2B aircraft during 1957; the first 10 arrived in 1958. Only 24 aircraft were put in service, as the remainder were used as spares. The first flight of an Argentine Panther was in December 1958, and the last aircraft entered into service during January 1961.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>

The catapult on the then only Argentine carrier, [[HMS Warrior (R31)|ARA ''Independencia'']], was not powerful enough to launch the F9F,<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Historic Aircraft-The Navy's Frontline in Korea | publisher=U.S. Naval Institute| url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2008/april/historic-aircraft-navys-frontline-korea |date=April 2008|magazine=Naval History Magazine|volume=22|issue=2|first=Norman|last=Polmar}}</ref> so the aircraft were land-based. However, in July 1963, a Panther (serial 0453/3-A-119) landed on ''Independencia'' as part of trials, the first jet to land on an Argentine aircraft carrier;<ref name="InstAeroNav-F9F">{{cite web |url = http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Artículos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |title = Grumman Panther en Argentina |last1 = Cicalesi |first1 = Juan Carlos |last2 = Rivas |first2 = Santiago |publisher = Instituto Aeronaval |access-date = 28 August 2014 |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029225043/http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Art%C3%ADculos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |archive-date = 29 October 2014 }}</ref> it was not then catapult-launched, but off-loaded by crane when the ship returned to port.

Argentine Navy F9F-2 Panthers were engaged in combat during the [[1963 Argentine Navy Revolt]]. Several rebel-controlled aircraft flew bombing and strafing runs against a column of the Army 8th Tank Regiment which was advancing on the rebelling [[Punta Indio Naval Air Base]]. The attack destroyed several [[M4 Sherman]] tanks while one F9F Panther was shot down.<ref>Cooper, Tom. [http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=47 "Argentina, 1955-1965."] ''ACIG.org.'' Retrieved: 24 January 2013.</ref>

The Argentine Panthers were involved in the general mobilization during the [[Laguna del Desierto incident|1965 border clash between Argentina and Chile]], but no combat occurred. The type was removed from service during 1969 due to a lack of available spare parts, the service opted to replace them with [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk|Douglas A-4Q Skyhawk]]s.<ref>Mey, Carlos. [http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-Panther.htm ."Panther" {{in lang|es}}.] ''Pictorial and history in Argentine service.'' Retrieved: 19 July 2011.</ref>

The Argentine Navy also operated the F-9 Cougar trainer version.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>

==Variants==
[[File:Grumman F9F-2B Panthers of VF-721 in flight over Korea on 15 July 1951 (80-G-431906).jpg|thumb|Two F9F-2Bs of VF-721 over Korea.]]
[[File:F9F-5 VF-111 CVA-39 1953.jpeg|thumb|F9F-5s of VF-111 on {{USS|Lake Champlain|CV-39|6}} in 1953.]]
[[File:F9F-5P forward NAN12-53.jpg|thumb|F9F-5P reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[File:AJ-2 F9F NATC refueling test NAN8-53.jpg|thumb|F9F and [[North American AJ Savage|AJ Savage]] of the NATC during in-flight refueling tests in 1953]]

;XF9F-2
:Prototypes, two built
;F9F-2
:First production version, powered by [[Pratt & Whitney J42]] engine, 567 built.
;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 [[Aerial reconnaissance|photo-reconnaissance]] version used in Korea, 36 built.
;XF9F-3
:Prototype for the F9F-3, one built.
;F9F-3
:[[Allison J33]] powered version produced as insurance against the failure of the J42, with all converted to the J42 later;<ref name = "davies 19">Davies 2022, p. 19.</ref> redesignated '''F-9B''' in 1962, 54 built.
;XF9F-4
:Prototypes used in the development of the F9F-4, two built.
;F9F-4
:Version with longer fuselage with greater fuel load and powered by J33 engine. Most re-engined with [[Pratt & Whitney J48]]s.<ref>Francillon 1989, p. 322</ref> F9F-4s were the first aircraft to successfully employ pressurized [[bleed air]], tapped from the engine's compressor stages, and [[Blown flap|blown across the surface]] of the slot [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]], simulating a higher airspeed across the control surface, and thus achieving a decrease in stalling speed of {{cvt|9|kn|km/h}} for takeoff and {{cvt|7|kn|km/h}} 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, 616 built. Re-designated '''F-9D''' in 1962.
;F9F-5P
:Unarmed photo-reconnaissance version, with longer nose; redesignated '''RF-9D''' in 1962, 36 built.<ref name = "davies 20">Davies 2022, p. 20.</ref>
;F9F-5K
:After the F9F Panther was withdrawn from 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.

==Operators==
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Navy]] - [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Navy]]
*[[United States Marine Corps]]

==Surviving aircraft==
===Argentina===
;On display
;;F9F-2B
*0421/3-A-106 (Argentine Navy) - Gate guardian at [[Puerto Belgrano Naval Base]] (''Base Naval Puerto Belgrano'' - BNPB) at [[Bahía Blanca]], Argentina.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>
*0425/3-A-113 (Argentine Navy) - Being restored at Argentine Naval Aviation Museum (''[[:es:Museo de la Aviación Naval Argentina]]'' - MUAN) at [[Bahía Blanca]], Argentina.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>
*0452/3-A-111 (Argentine Navy) - Gate guardian at [[Punta Indio Naval Air Base]] (''Base Aeronaval Punta Indio'' - BAPI) near [[La Plata]], Argentina.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>
*0453/3-A-118 (Argentine Navy) - Displayed at National Naval Museum (''[[:es:Museo Naval de la Nación]]'') at [[Tigre, Buenos Aires Province|Tigre]], Argentina.<ref name=InstAeroNav-F9F/>

===United States===
;Airworthy
;;F9F-2B
[[File:Addison, TX, USA - panoramio (5).jpg|thumb|F9F-2B at the [[Cavanaugh Flight Museum]]]]
*123078 - [[Cavanaugh Flight Museum]] in [[Addison, Texas]].<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=9525A "FAA Registry: N9525A."] ''faa.gov'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.cavflight.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=119 "F9F Panther/123078"] ''Cavanaugh Flight Museum.'' Retrieved: 18 October 2018.</ref> Removed from public display when the museum indefinitely closed on 1 January 2024. To be transported to [[North Texas Regional Airport]] in [[Denison, Texas]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Cole |date=1 January 2024 |title=Historic Addison flight museum announces closure |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/addison-texas-cavanaugh-flight-museum-closing/287-85fe72cf-3131-4919-88ed-e92d8cfa30c0 |work=WFAA |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>
;On display
;;F9F-2
*123050 - [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Florida]].<ref>[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f9f_panther"F9F Panther/123050".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031231703/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f9f_panther |date=2018-10-31 }} ''National Naval Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*123557 - VFW Post 1621 in [[Janesville, Wisconsin]].<ref>[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=537 "F9F Panther/123557"] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*123612 - [[NAS Oceana]] Air Park, [[Naval Air Station Oceana]], [[Virginia]].<ref>[http://aerialvisuals.ca/LocationDossier.php?Serial=3969 "F9F Panther/123612".] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 8 April 2015.</ref>
*123652 - [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]], [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]], [[California]].<ref>[http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F9F Panther/123653".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185627/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |date=2017-10-11 }} ''Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*125183 - [[Pima Air & Space Museum]], adjacent to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>[http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/grumman-f9f-4-panther "F9F Panther/125183".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104223507/http://www.pimaair.org/visit/aircraft-by-name/item/grumman-f9f-4-panther |date=2015-01-04 }} ''Pima Air & Space Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*127120 - [[Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum]] at the former [[NAS JRB Willow Grove]] in [[Horsham, Pennsylvania]].<ref>[http://www.wingsoffreedommuseum.org/index.php/our-aircraft/17-aircraft/aircraft-fixed-wing/17-aircraft-f9f-2-panther "F9F Panther/127120"] ''Wings of Freedom Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
;;F9F-2B
*123526 - [[National Museum of the Marine Corps]], adjacent to [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]] in [[Triangle, Virginia]].<ref>[https://www.usmcmuseum.com/iconic-artifacts.html "F9F Panther/123526."] ''National Museum of the Marine Corps.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2022.</ref>
;;F9F-4
*125180 - Lion's Park in [[Costa Mesa, California]].<ref>[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=177 "F9F Panther/125180".] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 1 June 2014.</ref>
;;F9F-5
*bureau number unknown (incorrectly marked as 141136) - [[USS Midway Museum]] in [[San Diego, California]]<ref>[http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum "F9F Panther/unknown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325094835/http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum |date=2013-03-25 }} ''USS Midway Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*125295 - [[Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum]] at [[Space Coast Regional Airport]] in [[Titusville, Florida]].<ref>[http://www.vacwarbirds.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC1030-F9F-5.jpg "F9F Panther/125295".] ''Valiant Air Command Museum.'' Retrieved: 15 January 2015.</ref>
*125992 - [[Aviation Heritage Park]] in [[Bowling Green, KY]].<ref>[http://aviationheritagepark.com/grumman-panther-f9f/"F9F Panther/125992".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119085506/http://aviationheritagepark.com/grumman-panther-f9f/ |date=2016-11-19 }} Aviation Heritage Park. Retrieved: 29 December 2016.</ref>
*126226 - [[Combat Air Museum]] adjacent to [[Forbes Air National Guard Base]] at [[Topeka Regional Airport]] / [[Forbes Field]] (former [[Forbes AFB]]) in [[Topeka, Kansas]].<ref>[http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/grummanf9fpanther.html "F9F Panther/126226".] ''Combat Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 4 March 2013.</ref>
*126275 - [[Battleship Memorial Park]] in [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref>[https://www.ussalabama.com/explore/aircraft/ "F9F Panther/126275".] ''Battleship Memorial Park.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2022.</ref>
;;F9F-5P
*125316 - [[Palm Springs Air Museum]], [[Palm Springs, California]].<ref>[https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/aircraft/] ''Palm Springs Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 4 February 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=11811.] ''Aerial Visuals'' Retrieved: 4 February 2023.</ref>
*126277 - [[Planes of Fame Air Museum]], [[Chino, California]].<ref>[http://planesoffame.org/index.php?mact=staircraft,m5c7c8,default,1&m5c7c8what=stplanes&m5c7c8forcelist=1&m5c7c8orderby=&m5c7c8detailpage=aircraft-details&m5c7c8nbperpage=20&m5c7c8pageindex=3&m5c7c8returnid=81&m5c7c8returnid=81&page=81 "F9F Panther/126277."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323141254/http://planesoffame.org/index.php?mact=staircraft,m5c7c8,default,1&m5c7c8what=stplanes&m5c7c8forcelist=1&m5c7c8orderby=&m5c7c8detailpage=aircraft-details&m5c7c8nbperpage=20&m5c7c8pageindex=3&m5c7c8returnid=81&m5c7c8returnid=81&page=81 |date=2013-03-23 }} ''Planes of Fame Air Museum.''  Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref>
;Under restoration or in storage
;;F9F-2
*123054 - under restoration at [[Yanks Air Museum]] in [[Chino, California]].<ref>[https://www.yanksair.org/collections-2/ "F9F Panther/123054."] ''Yanks Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2022.</ref> 
*123092 - in storage for restoration at [[USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)|USS John F. Kennedy Museum]] in [[North Kingston, Rhode Island]].<ref>[http://www.ussjfkri.org/news/aircraft-restoration-projects/ "F9F Panther/123092."] ''USS JFK Museum.'' Retrieved: 21 January 2015.</ref>	
*123420 - in storage at [[Fantasy of Flight]] in [[Polk City, Florida]].<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=32313 "FAA Registry: N32313."] ''faa.gov'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref>
;;F9F-5
*125467 - in storage by private owner in [[Bulverde, Texas]].<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=1332F "FAA Registry: N1332F."] ''faa.gov'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref>

==Specifications (F9F-5 Panther)==
[[File:Grumman F9F-5 Panther 3-view line drawing.svg|thumb|F9F-5 line drawing]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''United States Navy Aircraft since 1911''<ref name="swannavyp232">Swanborough and Bowers 1976, p. 232.</ref>
|prime units?= kts<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew= 1
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft= 38
|length in= 10
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft= 38
|span in= 0
|span note=
|height m=
|height ft= 12
|height in= 3
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft= 250
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb= 10,147
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb= 18,721
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|lift kg=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift note=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Pratt & Whitney J48]]-P-6A
|eng1 type= [[turbojet]]
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf= 6,250<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
|eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph= 579
|max speed kts=
|max speed note= at {{convert|5000|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph= 481
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range miles= 1,300
|range nmi=
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft= 42,800
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin= 5,090
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->

|guns= 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404#US production|AN/M3 cannon]], 760 rounds total<ref>{{cite web |title = Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F9F-5, 5P "Panther" |publisher = US Navy |date = 1 June 1952 |url = http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F9F-5_and_-5P_Panther_SAC_-_1_June_1952.pdf |via = Alternatewars.com |access-date = 27 July 2021}}</ref>
|bombs= 
|rockets= 
|missiles= 
|hardpoints= 8
|hardpoint capacity= {{convert|3465|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref>Francillon 1989, p. 323.</ref>
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#F9F Panther}}
The F9F Panther was featured in the 1954 Korean War film ''[[The Bridges at Toko-Ri]]'' starring [[William Holden]], [[Grace Kelly]], [[Mickey Rooney]] and [[Fredric March]], and in ''[[Men of the Fighting Lady]]'' starring [[Van Johnson]], [[Walter Pidgeon]] and [[Keenan Wynn]]. 

[[Stock footage]] of an F9F piloted by [[George Chamberlain Duncan]] crashing into the fantail of the [[USS Midway (CV-41)|USS ''Midway'' (CV-41)]] during a 1951 test flight appears in several [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] films.
* In 1954's ''[[Men of the Fighting Lady]]'', the crash is portrayed as the death of [[Lieutenant Commander]] Ted Dodson (played by [[Keenan Wynn]]).
* In the 1976 film ''[[Midway (1976 film)|Midway]]'', the F9F footage stands in for an [[SB2C Helldiver]] crash-landing.
* In the 1990 film ''[[The Hunt for Red October (film)|The Hunt for Red October]]'', the F9F footage is used to depict the crash-landing of an [[F-14A Tomcat]] that had collided with a Soviet aircraft onto the [[USS Enterprise (CVN-65)|USS ''Enterprise'' (CVN-65)]], reenacting an incident from [[Tom Clancy]]'s [[The Hunt for Red October|original novel]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/F9F-Duncan.htm |title=Duncan's F9F |website=Check-Six.com |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=30 June 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Grumman F-9 Cougar]]
* [[Grumman XF10F Jaguar]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Hawker Sea Hawk]]
* [[McDonnell F2H Banshee]]
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962)]]
|see also=
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last = Boyne |first = Walter J. |title = Air Warfare: an International Encyclopedia: A-L |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FW_50wm8VnMC&pg=PA277 |publisher = ABC-CLIO |date = 2002|isbn = 978-1-57607-345-2 }}
* {{cite book |last = Danby |first = Peter A. |title = United States Navy Serials 1941 to 1976 |publisher = Merseyside Aviation Society |location = Liverpool, United Kingdom |date = 1977 |isbn = 0-902420-17-8}}
* {{cite book |last = Davies |first = Peter E. |title = F9F Panther Vs Communist AAA: Korea 1950–53 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=uLV2EAAAQBAJ |publisher = Bloomberg |date = 2022 |isbn = 978-1-472-85064-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Francillon |first = René J. |title = Grumman Aircraft since 1929 |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Putnam |date = 1989 |isbn = 0-85177-835-6}} 
* {{cite book |last1 = Grossnick |first1 = Roy |first2 = William J. |last2 = Armstrong |title = United States Naval Aviation, 1910-1995 |location = Annapolis, Maryland, United Kingdom |publisher = Naval Historical Center |date = 1997 |isbn = 0-16-049124-X}}
* {{cite book |last = Hansen |first = James R. |title = First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong |publisher = Simon & Schuster |date = 2012 |isbn = 978-1-476-72781-3}}}
* {{cite book |last = Hardy |first = Michael John |title = Sea, Sky and Stars: An Illustrated History of Grumman Aircraft |location = London, United States |publisher = Arms & Armour Press |date = 1987 |isbn = 978-0853688327}}
* {{cite book |last = Kott |first = Richard C. |chapter = Attack from the Sky |editor-last = Marolda |editor-first = Edward |title = The United States Navy in the Korean War |location = Annapolis, Maryland, United States |publisher = Naval Institute Press |date = 2007 |isbn = 978-1591144878}}
* {{cite journal |last = Meyer |first = Corwin H. |title = Grumman Panther |journal = Flight Journal |date = October 2002}}
* {{cite book |last = Sears |first = David |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=nR1B5oARIJ4C |title = Such Men As These |publisher = ReadHowYouWant.com |date = 2010 |isbn = 978-1-458-76026-5}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Swanborough |first1 = Gordon |first2 =  Peter M. |last2 = Bowers |title = United States Navy Aircraft since 1911 |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Putnam |date = 1976 |isbn = 0-370-10054-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Taylor |first = John W.R. |author-link = John W. R. Taylor |chapter = Grumman F9F Cougar |title = Combat Aircraft of the World from 1909 to the Present |location = New York, United States |publisher = G.P. Putnam's Sons |date = 1969 |isbn = 0-425-03633-2}}
* {{cite book |last = Thomason |first = Tommy H. |title =  U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of Shipborne Jet Fighters, 1943-1962 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=XkYcBQAAQBAJ |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2008 |isbn = 978-1-580-07110-9}}
* {{cite book |editor-last = Winchester |editor-first = Jim |chapter = Grumman F9F Panther |title = ''Military Aircraft of the Cold War'' (The Aviation Factfile) |location = London, United Kingdom |publisher = Grange Books plc. |date = 2006 |isbn = 1-84013-929-3}}

=== Online sources ===
* {{cite web |url = http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Artículos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |title = Grumman Panther en Argentina |trans-title = Grumman Panther in Argentina |last1 = Cicalesi |first1 = Juan Carlos |last2=Rivas |first2 = Santiago |language = es |date = 22 December 2008 |website = Instituto Aeronaval - Articulos - Historia |publisher = Instituto Aeronaval |access-date = 28 August 2014 |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029225043/http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Art%C3%ADculos/Historia/Grumman-Panther-en-Argentina.html |archive-date = 29 October 2014 }}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-Panther.htm |title = CAZA BOMBARDEROS DE LA AVIACION NAVAL - Grumman F9F-2 Panther |trans-title = Naval Aviation Fighter-bombers - Grumman F9F-2 Panther |language = es |editor-first = Carlos |editor-last = Mey |website = Histarmar - Historia y Arqueologia Marítima |publisher = FUNDACION HISTARMAR |access-date = 29 August 2014 }}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite journal |last1 = Bedford |first1 = Alan |title = Early American Carrier Jets: Evolving Jet Operations with the US Fleet, Part Three |journal = Air Enthusiast |date = September–October 1999 |issue = 83 |pages = 62–67 |issn = 0143-5450}}
* {{cite book |last = Meyer |first = Corwin |year = 2003 |title = GRUMMAN F9F PANTHER PART ONE – Development, Testing, Structures |edition = First |publisher = Ginter Books |series = Naval Fighters |volume = Nº59 |url = http://www.ginterbooks.com/NAVAL/NF59.htm |isbn = 0-942612-59-0 |location = California, United States |access-date = 31 January 2015 }}
* {{cite book |last = Ginter |first = Steve |year = 2003 |title = GRUMMAN F9F PANTHER PART TWO – USMC Panthers (Includes Blue Angels, Reserves and Argentina) |edition = First |publisher = Ginter Books |series = Naval Fighters |volume = Nº60 |url = http://www.ginterbooks.com/NAVAL/NF60.htm |isbn = 0-942612-60-4 |location = California, United States |access-date = 31 January 2015 }}
* {{cite book |last = Ginter |first = Steve |year = 2003 |title = GRUMMAN F9F PANTHER PART 3 – NAVY Panthers (Korea and Beyond) |edition = First |publisher = Ginter Books |series = Naval Fighters |volume = Nº61 |url = http://www.ginterbooks.com/NAVAL/NF61.htm |isbn = 0-942612-61-2 |location = California, United States |access-date = 31 January 2015 }}
* {{cite book |last1 = Núñez Padin |first1 = Jorge Felix |title = Grumman F9F Panther & Cougar |year = 2010 |editor-first = Jorge Felix |editor-last = Núñez Padin |publisher = Fuerzas Aeronavales |series = Serie Aeronaval |volume = 29 |language = es |isbn = 978-987-1682-03-4 |location = Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url = http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-grumman-f9f-phanter-cougar-serie-aeronaval-no29 |access-date = 26 August 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150106133208/http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-grumman-f9f-phanter-cougar-serie-aeronaval-no29 |archive-date = 6 January 2015 }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Rivas |first1=Santiago |title=Argentina's Big Cats: The Grumman F9F-2 Panther & F9F-8T Cougar in Argentinian Navy Service |journal=The Aviation Historian |date=2023 |issue=43 |pages=104–112 |issn=2051-1930}}
* {{cite book |last = Schnitzer |first = George |title = [[Panthers Over Korea]] |location = Baltimore, Maryland, United States |publisher = Publish America |date = 2007 |isbn = 978-1-4241-7942-8}}
* {{cite book |last = Sullivan |first = Jim |title = F9F Panther/Cougar in action |location = Carrollton, Texas, United States |publisher = Squadron/Signal Publications |date = 1982 |isbn = 978-0-89747-127-5}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/hist-ac/f9f.pdf U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News article on the F9F Panther] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209132740/http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/hist-ac/f9f.pdf |date=9 February 2006 }}
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avf9f.html The Grumman F9F Panther/Cougar at Airvectors]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzENtmcIAF0 July 23, 1951 F9F Panther crash on USS ''Midway'']

{{Grumman aircraft}}
{{USN fighters}}
{{USAF fighters}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grumman F09F1 Panther}}
[[Category:Grumman aircraft|F09F1 Panther]]
[[Category:1940s United States fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1947]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]