Planes of Fame Flight Demo Grumman F8F Bearcat Startup

A Brute Beauty

The Grumman F8F Bearcat is a carrier-based plane that was one of the quickest piston-engine fighters of its time, with an impressive top speed of about 421 mph (678 km/h).

It was designed to be an improvement over its predecessor, the F6F Hellcat. It had a much lighter airframe, more powerful engines, and better maneuverability. It was utilized for several roles such as a fighter, fighter-bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft.

A number of Bearcats today have been preserved in museums and private collections and can be seen regularly at airshows and events. This particular Bearcat is owned by the Planes of Fame Museum. We can see it enter the cockpit, hear the initial crank of its engines, and its full start-up. And got to say, it had such an impressive power. So much respect for all of these “cats!”