I was stationed at Quonset Point, RI, as an AT in the early 50s. An
executive from Grumman flew a red leather interior Bearcat. There was a
takeoff contest held between a Bearcat and (as I remember) a Lockheed
Shooting Star. Before the jet left the ground the F8F had taken off and
reached altitude. I worked on the F8F as well as the F6F. They were sweet
A/C. I also worked on and flew as an Aircrewman in The AF and the S-2. Had
more than 125 arrested landings. Grumman made some grat A/C.