Museum Aircraft History Series - F9F 8P Cougar

In this video, we will be introducing you to the Grumman F9F-8P Cougar photo- reconnaissance aircraft. The MAPS F9F-8P is one of only six of this type of airframe on display in the world. In covering the history of the F9F-8P, an introduction to the aircraft from which it was developed, the F9F Panther, will also be addressed. Included in this video presentation is the recovery and restoration process started by a pilot who flew the F9F-8P and finished at MAPS.

[@user-nu7kk4uw6k]

The Cougar was one of the first Revell plastic models I built in the mid 1950s. The first one was the Bell P-39 Airacobra in the US Army AF brown livery. I still have both and many others. I have a soft spot for those early generations of jet fighters.

[@herojh]

I really enjoyed this. This series of aircraft seemed to go through the most confusing making convention ever. This video does a great job of waking through its history.

[@thetreblerebel]

Pilots and their aircraft is one of a bond. Both rely on each to work and to return the the ground. Trust of the equipment and the men taking care of it, is paramount. One can't help but relate to such a relationship

[@DM_Hazen]

Outstanding short documentary, thank you.

[@aerohk]

I love ours "short" 30+ min videos. Best on youtube, for real. Thank you. I just pay a visit someday

[@David-mz3or]

I think they have a Marine Corps version of this at MCAS Miramar. They moved it and the museum from MCAS El Toro CA

[@fw1421]

Back in the 80’s there was a recon version of the Cougar in a small park off the Highway 40 in Greensboro North Carolina. I often wonder what happened to this aircraft. The last time I saw it,it was in rough shape having been the victim of vandals.

[@Aviation-Exploration]

Love This Place

[@thomasschreiber9559]

Seems like the Navy should've gotten the Cougar built and deployed sooner, in time to see action in Korea. It was a modified version of the Panther, a fighter they were already using, so it wasn't like they were starting from scratch with a completely new design. Plus the Air Force with whom the Navy had a competitive rivalry with, was using the swept wing Sabre, seems like the Navy should've wanted to keep up.

[@Clintondmb]

Spent countless hours as a kid playing on this plane in Purcell Park in Harrisonburg, VA

[@bucksmith5360]

I also spent a lot of time playing in that plane back in the 60's. Ironically I ended up working at K&K Aircraft in Bridgewater working for Karl Stoltsfus. Karl and I moved that plane out of Purcell park sometime in the late 80's. His son just sent me this video . Lots of memories.

[@scotabot7826]

Non Flyable restoration, correct?

[@officialmapsairmuseumchann1351]

No, museum static display only.

[@scotabot7826]

I don't like the nose of the 8P. I prefer the earlier, non-photographic nose!!!