Grumman F8F Bearcat · History, Technical Data & Photos · AeroCorner

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Carter Teeters takes the Grumman F8F Bearcat out for a "leisurely" check flight. The Bearcat was the follow-on to the famed Grumman F6F Hellcat. It features the same Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine capable of producing over2,000hp, but was 20% lighter. During Navy trials, the Bearcat set a time-to-climb record going from sea-level to 10,000 feet in 94 seconds, a record that no other piston engined aircraft has beat. Apollo astronaut Neil Armstrong said the Bearcat was his plane of choice during hi

The Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat holds a special place in the history of the Blue Angels, being one of their original aircraft! Prior to transitioning to jet aircraft, the Blue Angels relied on this particular aircraft. We had the opportunity to interview John O'Connor for an in-depth exploration of this remarkable plane, uncovering the exceptional engineering elements that enable it to perform various altitudes during flight! | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology