Difference between revisions of "F9F-2"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f9f-2
 
|cockpit=cockpit_f9f-2.jpg
 
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage-2 = other uses of the nickname
 
| usage-2 = other uses of the nickname
 
| link-2 = Panther (Disambiguation)
 
| link-2 = Panther (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f9f-2
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_f9f-2.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
  
Line 21: Line 20:
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
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|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 607 || 310 || ~16 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 572 || 531 || 310 || ~9 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="4" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="4" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8 || 1
+
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8 || 1
| colspan="3" | 4,650 kg || colspan="4" | 318 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="3" | 4,650 kg || colspan="4" | 318 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
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* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat
 
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof Glass - Windshield
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof Glass - Windshield
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
The primary modules that will need to be unlocked are flight performance, handling (''New boosters''), and ''Offensive 20 mm'' belts. After unlocking these high priority improvements, then the focus is secondary weaponry. Without the ''New 20 mm Cannons'' module the plane tends to have a high spread when firing its primary armament.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|AN/M3 (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|M3 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, nose-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, nose-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|HVAR|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
+
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
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* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets
 
* 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (800 lb total)
 
* 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (800 lb total)
 
* 6 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (600 lb total)
 
* 6 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (600 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
 
The F9F-2 is best described as a support fighter.  It is often outclassed by more powerful enemies such as the [[MiG-15]], but as a support to allies, it shines nonetheless.  In this play-style, the Panther can leverage its desirable dive characteristics to prey on distracted opponents.  A Panther pilot may often find themselves with an enemy on their six.  In such a defensive situation, the F9F-2 provides an excellent roll rate with which to dodge enemy fire.  However, to dispatch the opponent, it is often necessary to employ the help of teammates.
 
The F9F-2 is best described as a support fighter.  It is often outclassed by more powerful enemies such as the [[MiG-15]], but as a support to allies, it shines nonetheless.  In this play-style, the Panther can leverage its desirable dive characteristics to prey on distracted opponents.  A Panther pilot may often find themselves with an enemy on their six.  In such a defensive situation, the F9F-2 provides an excellent roll rate with which to dodge enemy fire.  However, to dispatch the opponent, it is often necessary to employ the help of teammates.
  
 
The Panther has a wide selection of ground-attack ordnance options and can use either bombs or rockets to destroy ground targets very effectively in ground realistic battles.  In air battles, the Panther is in almost all cases better suited for an air-to-air role, but even when ordnance is not mounted, the internal 20 mm cannons are able to destroy lightly armoured ground targets.  When using HVAR rockets, the aim is especially important, as the six rockets are fired in pairs.  With only three shots, it is important to maximize the rockets' effectiveness by aiming slightly to the side of the target.  Since the rockets are wing-mounted, this will result in one of them hitting the target directly and causing the maximum possible damage.
 
The Panther has a wide selection of ground-attack ordnance options and can use either bombs or rockets to destroy ground targets very effectively in ground realistic battles.  In air battles, the Panther is in almost all cases better suited for an air-to-air role, but even when ordnance is not mounted, the internal 20 mm cannons are able to destroy lightly armoured ground targets.  When using HVAR rockets, the aim is especially important, as the six rockets are fired in pairs.  With only three shots, it is important to maximize the rockets' effectiveness by aiming slightly to the side of the target.  Since the rockets are wing-mounted, this will result in one of them hitting the target directly and causing the maximum possible damage.
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Compressor
 
|
 
|
 
| FRC mk.2
 
|-
 
| II
 
| New Boosters
 
|
 
| Airframe
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
|
 
| FLBC mk.1
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| G-Suit
 
|
 
| Cover
 
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
|
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
* The primary modules that will need to be unlocked are flight performance, handling (''New boosters''), and ''Offensive 20 mm'' belts. After unlocking these high priority improvements, then the focus is secondary weaponry. Without the ''New 20 mm Cannons'' module the plane tends to have a high spread when firing its primary armament.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Decent manoeverability at higher speeds
+
* Decent manoeuvrability at higher speeds
 
* Excellent roll rate
 
* Excellent roll rate
 
* Decent suspended armament
 
* Decent suspended armament
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* Large fuel capacity in comparison with other fighter jets
 
* Large fuel capacity in comparison with other fighter jets
  
'''Cons'''
+
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor high altitude performance
 
* Poor high altitude performance
* Poor low-speed manoeverability
+
* Poor low-speed manoeuvrability
 
* Poor top speed
 
* Poor top speed
 
* Very fragile tail
 
* Very fragile tail
 
* WEP runs out very quickly
 
* WEP runs out very quickly
* Battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB), pits the Panther against planes like the [[MiG-15bis]], the [[MiG-17 (Family)|MiG-17]] and the [[Hunter (Family)|Hawker Hunter]], all of which outperform it
+
* Battle rating puts the Panther against planes like the [[MiG-15bis]], the [[MiG-17 (Family)|MiG-17]] and the [[Hunter (Family)|Hawker Hunter]], all of which outperform it
 
* Cannons are horribly inaccurate when stock
 
* Cannons are horribly inaccurate when stock
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
 
The Panther was born during a time when the jet engine was beginning to make its appearance into service. The United States Navy commissioned a jet-powered fighter for its carrier decks. Grumman began work on the XF9F-1 Prototype (Grumman designation G75). The air-frame would carry two crewmen and implement four turbojet engines. At the time, four of them were planned to be used due to the low power output by early turbojet engines. This ran into several issues including taking up too much space on American carriers. Eventually, the design was dropped in favour of the XF9F-2 prototype, Grumman's Model G79, that utilized 1 crew member and eventually a single-engine. The British Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engine was used for basic testing. Pratt & Whitney were eventually able to produce the engine and it was designated "J42". As the Panther moved along the creation process, items like wingtip fuel tanks were added to increase its range. Carrier trials with the prototypes were completed in March of 1949. The F9F-2 entered US Navy service in May of 1949.
 
The Panther was born during a time when the jet engine was beginning to make its appearance into service. The United States Navy commissioned a jet-powered fighter for its carrier decks. Grumman began work on the XF9F-1 Prototype (Grumman designation G75). The air-frame would carry two crewmen and implement four turbojet engines. At the time, four of them were planned to be used due to the low power output by early turbojet engines. This ran into several issues including taking up too much space on American carriers. Eventually, the design was dropped in favour of the XF9F-2 prototype, Grumman's Model G79, that utilized 1 crew member and eventually a single-engine. The British Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engine was used for basic testing. Pratt & Whitney were eventually able to produce the engine and it was designated "J42". As the Panther moved along the creation process, items like wingtip fuel tanks were added to increase its range. Carrier trials with the prototypes were completed in March of 1949. The F9F-2 entered US Navy service in May of 1949.
  
The F9F-2 is the first production variant of the Panther. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8, a license-built version of the Rolls Royce Nene engine. The F9F-2B was a new variant of the F9F-2 which allowed it to carry 2,000 lbs of ordinance under its wings. Once all F9F-2s were upgraded to the B standard, the B designation was dropped and the aircraft was simply referred to as F9F-2.
+
The F9F-2 is the first production variant of the Panther. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8, a license-built version of the Rolls Royce Nene engine. The F9F-2B was a new variant of the F9F-2 which allowed it to carry 2,000 lbs of ordnance under its wings. Once all F9F-2s were upgraded to the B standard, the B designation was dropped and the aircraft was simply referred to as F9F-2.
  
 
The Panther entered combat during the Korean War. It was the primary jet fighter used by the U.S. Navy and Marines. It played a significant part in the ground attack role and flew over 78,000 sorties. It secured the first U.S. Naval air to air kill against a Yak-9. Famous F9F pilots included astronaut John Glenn and Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams. Panthers were pulled from front-line service in 1956 in favour of the swept-wing "Cougar". F9F Panther was the first jet used with the US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team.
 
The Panther entered combat during the Korean War. It was the primary jet fighter used by the U.S. Navy and Marines. It played a significant part in the ground attack role and flew over 78,000 sorties. It secured the first U.S. Naval air to air kill against a Yak-9. Famous F9F pilots included astronaut John Glenn and Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams. Panthers were pulled from front-line service in 1956 in favour of the swept-wing "Cougar". F9F Panther was the first jet used with the US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team.
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
+
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
[[F9F-5]] [[F9F-8]]
+
 
 +
* [[F9F-5]]
 +
* [[F9F-8]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272059-grumman-f9f-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA jet aircrafts}}
+
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 08:23, 7 May 2021

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
This page is about the naval fighter F9F-2. For other planes of the family, see F9F (Family). For other uses of the nickname, see Panther (Disambiguation).
F9F-2
f9f-2.png
GarageImage F9F-2.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/2b/Cockpit_f9f-2.jpg
F9F-2
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F9F-2 Panther is a rank V American naval jet fighter with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/SB) and 8.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.

The Panther will typically find itself outclassed as it often faces against more advanced jet designs, such as the MiG-15 or Venom. However, it does excel in a support fighter role. Distracted opponents are easy prey when the Panther's high-speed driving and manoeuvrability are applied correctly. When engaged 1 on 1 with other jet fighters, its flaws (low top speed) can be exposed. Defensively, the Panther has an uncanny ability to escape pursuing enemies when using its agility to your advantage. The Panther greatly excels at the Fighter-bomber role due to its optional payloads.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m926 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EnginePratt & Whitney J42-P-8
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 913 904 12500 27.3 28.6 19.8 18.3 750
Upgraded 939 926 26.8 27.0 34.1 26.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1000 400 572 531 310 ~9 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 620 < 650 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8 1 4,650 kg 318 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 19m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 60m fuel 64m fuel
600 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 5,467 kg 5,509 kg 5,935 kg 6,573 kg 7,211 kg 7,381 kg 9,636 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 19m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 60m fuel 64m fuel MTOW
Stationary 2,260 kgf 2,599 kgf 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.40 0.36 0.35 0.27
Optimal 2,260 kgf
(0 km/h)
2,599 kgf
(0 km/h)
0.48 0.47 0.44 0.40 0.36 0.35 0.27

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 000 km/h
Gear400 km/h
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat
  • 60 mm Bulletproof Glass - Windshield

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 262 → 4 371 Sl icon.png
RB9 478 → 12 700 Sl icon.png
SB11 239 → 15 060 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications80 000 Rp icon.png
128 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 350 / 590 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 2.png
Mods ammo.png
anm3_belt_pack
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
anm3_new_gun
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
LFRC mk.12
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png

The primary modules that will need to be unlocked are flight performance, handling (New boosters), and Offensive 20 mm belts. After unlocking these high priority improvements, then the focus is secondary weaponry. Without the New 20 mm Cannons module the plane tends to have a high spread when firing its primary armament.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The F9F-2 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, nose-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)

Suspended armament

The F9F-2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (800 lb total)
  • 6 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (600 lb total)

Usage in battles

The F9F-2 is best described as a support fighter. It is often outclassed by more powerful enemies such as the MiG-15, but as a support to allies, it shines nonetheless. In this play-style, the Panther can leverage its desirable dive characteristics to prey on distracted opponents. A Panther pilot may often find themselves with an enemy on their six. In such a defensive situation, the F9F-2 provides an excellent roll rate with which to dodge enemy fire. However, to dispatch the opponent, it is often necessary to employ the help of teammates.

The Panther has a wide selection of ground-attack ordnance options and can use either bombs or rockets to destroy ground targets very effectively in ground realistic battles. In air battles, the Panther is in almost all cases better suited for an air-to-air role, but even when ordnance is not mounted, the internal 20 mm cannons are able to destroy lightly armoured ground targets. When using HVAR rockets, the aim is especially important, as the six rockets are fired in pairs. With only three shots, it is important to maximize the rockets' effectiveness by aiming slightly to the side of the target. Since the rockets are wing-mounted, this will result in one of them hitting the target directly and causing the maximum possible damage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent manoeuvrability at higher speeds
  • Excellent roll rate
  • Decent suspended armament
  • Good low altitude performance
  • Powerful armament with a high rate of fire
  • High ammo capacity
  • Large fuel capacity in comparison with other fighter jets

Cons:

  • Poor high altitude performance
  • Poor low-speed manoeuvrability
  • Poor top speed
  • Very fragile tail
  • WEP runs out very quickly
  • Battle rating puts the Panther against planes like the MiG-15bis, the MiG-17 and the Hawker Hunter, all of which outperform it
  • Cannons are horribly inaccurate when stock

History

The Panther was born during a time when the jet engine was beginning to make its appearance into service. The United States Navy commissioned a jet-powered fighter for its carrier decks. Grumman began work on the XF9F-1 Prototype (Grumman designation G75). The air-frame would carry two crewmen and implement four turbojet engines. At the time, four of them were planned to be used due to the low power output by early turbojet engines. This ran into several issues including taking up too much space on American carriers. Eventually, the design was dropped in favour of the XF9F-2 prototype, Grumman's Model G79, that utilized 1 crew member and eventually a single-engine. The British Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engine was used for basic testing. Pratt & Whitney were eventually able to produce the engine and it was designated "J42". As the Panther moved along the creation process, items like wingtip fuel tanks were added to increase its range. Carrier trials with the prototypes were completed in March of 1949. The F9F-2 entered US Navy service in May of 1949.

The F9F-2 is the first production variant of the Panther. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8, a license-built version of the Rolls Royce Nene engine. The F9F-2B was a new variant of the F9F-2 which allowed it to carry 2,000 lbs of ordnance under its wings. Once all F9F-2s were upgraded to the B standard, the B designation was dropped and the aircraft was simply referred to as F9F-2.

The Panther entered combat during the Korean War. It was the primary jet fighter used by the U.S. Navy and Marines. It played a significant part in the ground attack role and flew over 78,000 sorties. It secured the first U.S. Naval air to air kill against a Yak-9. Famous F9F pilots included astronaut John Glenn and Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams. Panthers were pulled from front-line service in 1956 in favour of the swept-wing "Cougar". F9F Panther was the first jet used with the US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links


Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
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