The F8F is a
real climber and can go from a full brake stop to 10,000 feet in 96
seconds! It was designed during WWII for fleet defense to get off the
deck of the carrier, get into the sky quickly and counter the threat
from Kamikaze aircraft. Because of this more specialized role, the
Bearcat's range was limited. It was en route to the Pacific theater
when the war ended and did not see operational service in WWII. They
were used post-war by the US Navy until as late as 1952. There were 24
Navy Squadrons that flew the Bearcat. The French also purchased the
Bearcats and used them in Indochina. This one is operated by the SoCal
Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. It was back in action again for
the show after suffering an engine failure in March.
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