F8F BearcatGrumman F8F Bearcat airplane model. The Grumman F8F Bearcat was intended as an interceptor fighter, operating from carriers. In modern vernacular, it might have been called the "Hellcat Lite," designed for the smallest and lightest airframe that could support the Pratt &amp, Whitney R 2800 34 radial engine, its fuel, weapons, and armor. The US Navy order two prototypes, XF8F 1, in November 1943. First flown nine months later, the Bearcat prototype

with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base

Designed by Roscoe Turner and modified by Matty Laird

The first production Kingfisher

the Bearcat prototype outperformed its heavier predecessor

Two pods housed General Electric J85 jet engines with 2850 lbs

This single-seat aircraft is specially designed for attack and defense suppression

Ju 52s delivered the attacking forces and their supplies during the German invasion of Norway

Although it was designed as a high-altitude interceptor

Wingspan 6 5/8 inches

Whitney C-1 or SC-1 Wasp 9-cylinder redial piston engines

firefighting

Throughout 1917 and into 1918 the SPAD XIII held its own against German aircraft