1:48 scale diecast jet aircraft by Hobby Master Air Power Series HA7205. Grumman F9F Panther, USN VF-61 Jolly Rogers, Lawrence Cauble, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1951.
Limited Edition.
Length 9.75 inches
Wingspan 9.5 inches
Features:
Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
Positionable landing gear.
Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
Authentic detachable ordinance loads complete with placards.
Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce engine the first F9F flew in 1947. These new engines were fuel hungry and with no extra internal space permanent wing-tip tanks were added. These tanks also had the unexpected benefit of increasing the aircraft roll rate. In the Korean War the F9F was the primary USN aircraft for ground-attack and served with distinction. However it was realized that the Panther was inferior to the MiG aircraft so a swept-wing version was developed. The new aircraft retained the F9F designation and was called the Cougar.
VF-61 was established January 1, 1943 as VF-17 �Jolly Rogers�. On November 15, 1946 the JRs were re-designated the VF-5B and on July 28, 1948 they became VF-61. In April 1950 VF-61 traded in the F8F-2 �Bearcat� for the new F9F-2 Panther. From January 10, 1951 to May 18, 1951 VF-61 served on-board the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. One VF-61 pilot, Lt. Lawrence Cauble already had jet experience flying the P-59B Airacomet in 1947 and would later become a test pilot. VF-61 was disestablished in 1959.