The Grumman F7F Tigercat was a carrier-based fighter aircraft that served in the United States Navy and Marine Corps during and after World War II. Designed as a high-performance fighter to replace the F6F Hellcat. The Tigercat was one of the fastest and most advanced fighters of its time.
Grumman F7F Tigercat History
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation designed the F7F Tigercat in response to a Navy requirement for a twin-engine, high-performance fighter that could operate from aircraft carriers. Intended to be a fighter-bomber primarily, the Tigercat was designed to be fast, agile, and heavily armed. The prototype F7F-1 made its first flight on November 2, 1943, and was followed by the F7F-2, which entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1944.
Only used for a short time, the Tigercat never saw combat in WWII. Ending before the F7F was ready for deployment.
After WWII, the F7F remained in service with the U.S. Navy, and Marine Corps, soon replaced by more advanced planes. The F8F Bearcat and the F9F Panther. The F7F retired from active service in the late 1940s. Today, only a few F7F Tigercats remain in existence. Most of them on display in aviation museums around the U.S.
Grumman F7F Tigercat Specifications
The Grumman F7F Tigercat was a large, twin-engine, aircraft with a wingspan of 51 ft 6 in (15.70 m) and a length of 45 ft 4 in (13.82 m). With a maximum takeoff weight of 25,720 lb (11,666 kg) powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines. Providing a combined 4,200 horsepower to the Tigercat. With a top speed of 460 mph (740 km/h, 400 kn) and a range of 1,200 mi (1,900 km, 1,000 nmi).
The Tigercats unique mid-wing monoplane design provided the plane with excellent speed and maneuverability. As well as good visibility for the pilot.
F7F Tigercat Armament
Heavily armed and capable of carrying a variety of weapons. The F7Fs armament consisted of 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) AN/M3 cannon and 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun, mounted in the nose of the plane. The F7F also had several underwing hardpoints, which could carry a variety of bombs and rockets. This included 2 × 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs, or 8 x 127mm unguided High-Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVAR) and Tiny Tim rockets under the wings. And 1 x 150-gallon fuel or napalm tank under the fuselage, or 1 × torpedo under the fuselage (day fighter only).
The F7F’s armament made it a highly effective fighter bomber, capable of delivering a devastating blow to ground targets. Equipped with AN/APS-19 radar for night operations, making the Tigercat a versatile and deadly weapon in both day and night missions.
The F7F Tigercat in Action
Even though the F7F Tigercat was never used in combat during World War II. It did see action during the Korean War, where it was primarily used in a ground attack role. The U.S. Marine Corps deployed the F7F to Korea in 1950. To provide close air support to ground troops, as well as to attack enemy targets. This including enemy troop concentrations, supply lines, and bridges.
In late 1950, the Tigercat saw significant action in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. During this battle, the F7F was used to support U.S. Marines who were surrounded by Chinese troops. Providing close air support, the F7F attacked enemy troop concentrations, enabling the Marines to break out of the Chinese encirclement.
The French Air Force deployed the F7F Tigercat during the First Indochina War. It attacked ground targets as a ground attack aircraft.
Conclusion
The Grumman F7F Tigercat was a remarkable aircraft that was ahead of its time. Designed to be fast, agile, and heavily armed. Today, the F7F Tigercat remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts. Its legacy lives on in the many aviation museums around the world where it is on display.
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