Grumman F9F Panther and Cougar DVD

The Grumman F9F Panther and Cougar DVD is a collection of films and newsreels on the famous Grumman F9F Panther, the first operational American carrier-based jet. Armed with 20mm cannons and other stores of munitions, the F9F was used extensively and effectively in Korea. The F9F was also the first Navy Jet to be used by the Blue Angels.

The Grumman F9F Panther was the first carrier based jet to see air-to-combat with the US Navy after its introduction in 1949. It was a single-engine fighter with straight wings. The F9F was used extensively in the Korean War and shot down seven MiG-15s.

The Grumman F-9 Cougar, a marvel of engineering, evolved distinctly from its predecessor, the F9F Panther. The Cougar made its debut in December 1952. Designed for the United States Navy, both aircraft served as fighter jets, but the Cougar saw significant advancements that set it apart and positioned it as a refined evolution of its predecessor.

• Wing Design: The most noticeable difference lies in the enhancements to the wing structure. While the Panther sported a straight wing design, the Cougar adopted a modern swept-wing. This change significantly improved aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
• Thrust and Performance: Enhancements didn’t stop at the wings. The Cougar received an upgraded propulsion system, delivering a significant boost in thrust. Although the Cougar remained subsonic, its critical Mach number performance improved phenomenally—rising from 0.79 to 0.86 at sea level and reaching 0.895 at higher altitudes of 35,000 feet.
• Flight Control: The Cougar introduced innovative flight control mechanisms. Traditional ailerons were replaced with advanced spoilers on the upper wing surfaces for controlling roll. This update contributed to its more agile maneuvers and stability in flight.
• Structural Enhancements: To augment stability and control further, wing fences were included. These fences extended the reach of the spoilers, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency from the center to the wing tips.

The Grumman F-9 Cougar is a remarkable aircraft with impressive performance capabilities in both speed and distance. It can reach an impressive maximum speed of 654 miles per hour. When cruising, the F-9 Cougar maintains a steady speed of 541 miles per hour. In terms of range, this aircraft can cover up to 932 miles without the need for additional fuel tanks.

The Grumman F-9 Cougar was equipped with an impressive array of weaponry designed to tackle a wide range of combat scenarios. It was armed with four 20 mm M3 cannons, with each cannon having a capacity of 190 rounds. This provided the Cougar with ample firepower for air-to-air engagements. The aircraft could carry up to six 5-inch rockets. These were particularly effective for ground-attack missions, adding versatility to its role.

For precision targeting, the Cougar could be fitted with up to four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, enhancing its capabilities in air-to-air combat. To deliver substantial ground attacks, the aircraft could also be loaded with two 1,000-pound bombs. This allowed it to take on heavily fortified targets with significant impact.

The Grumman F-9 Cougar, a classic jet fighter, features a single-pilot configuration, designed for efficiency and agility. Below is a detailed overview of the Grumman F-9 Cougar key specifications:

• Dimensions:
• Length: Approximately 40 feet and 11 inches
• Wingspan: Spanning around 34 feet and 6 inches
• Height: Stands at about 12 feet and 4 inches
• Wing and Weight Specifications:
• Wing Area: Covers 300 square feet
• Empty Weight: Comes in at 11,483 pounds
• Loaded Weight: Weighs 16,244 pounds when fully loaded
• Fuel Capacity: Equipped to hold 919 US gallons of fuel, ensuring extended flight capabilities.

After over two decades of service, the Grumman F9 Cougar was retired by the United States Navy in 1974.

DVD Contents

Film #1 - USMC Close Air Support - This is a USMC film on the use of close air support in Korea. This idea was developed at the end of WW2 and was used very effectively in Korea. In this film, the F9F Panther is demonstrated. This film is truly a piece of aviation history. Runtime of about 13 minutes.

Film #2 - F9F Blue Angels in Korea - This film was made by the US Navy and TV producers about the early days of the Blue Angels. In this story, the four Blue Angels are divided up on the carrier to extend their flying skills with other carrier pilots as they flew missions over Korea. And the drama starts from here!!! Great Naval film footage history. Runtime is about 24 minutes.

Film #3 -Carriers off of Korea - This is very rare footage of US Carriers fighting the North Koreans by naval armament. The famous AD-1 Skyraider, F4U Corsairs, and the F9F Grumman were the mainstay of aerial fighting against the enemy. Lots of carrier action and combat footage. Runtime is about 13 minutes.

Film #4 -The 7th Fleet - This is a Navy film on a short history of the 7th Fleet from 1943 during WW2 and then on to Korea. The 7th Fleet was known as the "FAST Fleet" and was a major reason the Communists were stopped. Lots of carrier action in this film. Plus, the post-Korea story of protecting Formosa. Runtime is about 13 minutes.

Film #5 -F9F Newsreels - This is a collection of F9F and Korea newsreels, runtime about 12 minutes:

• US sends Ships and Planes to Korea
• Command of the Sea
• F9F Cougar crashes overboard
• Carrier Mirror landing by a F9F Cougar
• Korea War newsreel B-29 to F9Fs

Film #6 -F9F Weekend Warriors - This is actually two films by the Navy to persuade one to join the USN Reserve. The first shows a young man who joins the Navy, and hopes to fly one day. Great footage of the CVL 28 - USS Cabot - and aircraft like the F4U and F9F Jets. The second reel is of the USS Monterrey - CVL-26 - and the aircraft used in this reel are mostly the F9F Panther jets. Also the TBF Avenger and the SNJ Trainer. Runtime is about 8 minutes.

Total runtime for the Grumman F9F Panther and Cougar DVD is about 85 minutes. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.