Was The Grumman "Bearcat" Flown Off Carriers?

There was an F11F (but not an F-11F) Tiger until September 18,1962 when a
standard military designation system was adopted and the F11F-1 became the
F-11A.

Interestingly, the F11F or F-11A started as a derivative of the F9F and was
given the designation F9F-8 which was changed to F9F-9 when F9F-8 was
assigned to the later Cougars. In April, 1955 after the flight of two
prototypes and three production aircraft, the designation for the Tiger was
changed to F11F-1. In 1962 the DOD merged the Navy designation system into
the existing Air Force designation system which resulted in elimination of
the manufacturer designator and incorporation of a series letter (among
other changes).

The Blue Angels converted to F11F-1's in mid 1957 and were in Tigers until
1968.

Jack

(Basic reference: United States Navy Aircraft Since 1911 Gordon
Swanborough and Peter M Bowers)


"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
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"Orval Fairbairn" wrote in message

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The Bearcat was the second type flown by the Blue Algels -- the first
type was the Hellcat. In fact, the Angels flew Grummans until the F-4
replaced the F-11F Tigers about 1969.


There was no Grumman F-11F. The Blue Angles flew the F-11A Tiger.