| F8F Bearcat | |
|---|---|
.jpg) An F8F Bearcat warbird over Fly Navy Day 2016 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighter aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users | United States Navy |
| Number built | 1,265 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 21 May 1945 |
| First flight | 21 August 1944 |
| Retired | 1963 VNAF[1] |
The Grumman F8F Bearcat is an American single-engined, carrier-based fighter aircraft introduced in late World War II. It served during the mid-20th century in the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the air forces of other nations. It was Grumman Aircraft's last piston-engined fighter aircraft. Adapted versions of the Bearcat have broken speed records for piston-engined aircraft. Today, the Bearcat is popular among warbird owners and air racers.