Plastic model aircraft GRUMMAN F9F-8 / F9F-8P COUGAR 1:48

KH80127 - Plastic Model Aircraft GRUMMAN F9F-8 / F9F-8P COUGAR 1/48

The Grumman F9F Cougar is an American fighter aircraft from the 1950s, designed to operate from aircraft carriers. Derived from the Grumman F9F Panther, the Cougar is distinguished by its straight wings replaced with more modern swept wings. Although the U.S. Navy considered the Cougar an updated version of the Panther, it received a distinct official designation, beginning its career as the F9F-6.

The final version of this aircraft, the F9F-8, features several notable improvements. The fuselage was widened by 20 cm, and the wings were modified to have a larger chord and increased surface area, improving low-speed performance. The wing incidence was increased to allow for greater fuel capacity. Between April 1954 and March 1957, 601 units were delivered. Most were equipped with an in-flight refueling probe and, by the end of production, could carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles under the wings. Many earlier aircraft were modified to include this capability. In 1962, some of these aircraft, renamed F-9J, were equipped with nuclear bombing mission equipment.