F9F Cougar in Detail and Scale

DETAIL & SCALE SERIES The "Detail & Scale" series of publications is unique in aviation literature. Unlike other publications on military aircraft, this series does not emphasize the history or markings carried by the aircraft featured. Instead, attention is focused on the many physical details of the aircraft such as cockpit interiors, radar and avionics installations, armament, landing gear, wheel wells, and ejection seats. These details are covered more thoroughly than in any other series, and are presented in the form of close-up photography and line drawings. Special consideration is given to the detail differences between the variants and sub-variants of the aircraft. This detailed coverage is supplemented with scale drawings that show five full views. Charts and tables provide extensive amounts of technical data, making this series one of the most complete technical references on aircraft that is available. Although a brief historical summary is always presented, it is not intended to be all inclusive. It will, however, provide the most important dates and. events in the development and operational life of each aircraft. For scale modelers, a modeler's section is provided that reviews scale model kits of the aircraft, and lists the decals available for these kits. The "Detail & Scale" series is detailed, technical, and accurate, providing the most comprehensive coverage of this nature that is available anywhere in aviation publications.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bert Kinzey, author, and president of Detail & Scale, Inc. was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1945. The following year his family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where his father became a professor of architecture at Virginia Tech (VPI). Until he was about six years old, Bert was often frightened by the loud piston-driven military fighters that sometimes flew low over his home while he was outside playing. On more than one occasion he came running into the house extremely frightened by an aircraft that had just flown over. His father took him to the VPI airport, where cadets were learning to fly on J-3 Piper Cubs, and arranged for him to go for a flight. Bert sat on his father's lap for a short trip around Blacksburg, and that forever ended his fear of airplanes. Later, Bert's father built a balsa and tissue model of the J-3 Cub, and Bert's interest in modeling began. Bert's fear of aircraft soon gave way to a love of

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The author in the rear seat of an F-5F after returning from a Red Flag mission.

aviation, and he began scale modeling. Bert looked at modeling (and still does) not as a hobby in and of itself, but a small facet of his overall interest in aviation. In 1959 his family moved to Gainesville, Florida where his aviation interest took second place to his trumpet playing in high school. In 1964, he graduated from P.K. Yonge High School, and returned to Virginia Tech specifically to fulfill his lifetime dream to be in the Virginia Tech Regimental Band - The "Highty Tighties." Upon graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army, and he spent almost eight years as an army officer. During this time he commanded a Hawk guided missile battery in Korea, and later wrote and taught classes in airpower, the Soviet air threat, and air defense suppression at the Army's Air Defense School at Ft. Bliss, Texas. In August 1976, he resigned from active duty in the Army, but his reputation as being knowledgeable in all aspects of military airpower led to a job offer as a civilian with the Department of the Army. He served in this position for four years as a "subject matter expert" in military airpower, and was responsible for the development of the Army's new program on aircraft identification, the first in the world to feature dynamic simulation. During this time he started Detail & Scale as a part-time business to provide detailed reference material on military aircraft. Detail & Scale became so successful that Bert resigned from his position with the Army to devote full time to his new company. Since then he has written several books as well as articles for several magazines. He is also an avid modeler and member of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS). In July 1982, he was presented with a special award by IPMS/USA in recognition for his contributions to the society. As a youngster who feared airplanes, it is ironic that Bert should now be so involved with aviation. He is a licensed pilot, and lives with his wife, Lynda, and their two children, Jan and Chip, in Peachtree City, Georgia near Atlanta.

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F'9F-8T (TF-9J)

F9F-8

(Grumman)

BuNo 131063 was the first F9F-B. The final development of the entire F9F series was the F9F-8 which was known as design G-99 at Grumman. This version displayed more changes over the earlier aircraft, the most noticeable of which was the wing design. Wing chord outboard of the fences was increased giving the leading edge a saw tooth. Leading edge slats, used on earlier Cougars and on Panthers, were deleted. The new leading edge also had a camber, and this new design improved stability and handling at low speeds and at high angles of attack which is most important in carrier approaches and landings. A larger trailing edge fillet at the wing root extended all the way back to the end of the fuselage. Additionally, the larger wing offered more capacity for internal fuel which was raised to 1,063 gallons. Two additional 150 gallon tanks could be carried under the wings. In-flight refueling capability became a production standard with the -8 as evidenced by a detachable probe on the nose. During the production run of the F9F-8, a boundary layer splitter plate was fitted between the air intakes and the fuselage. Details of this feature can be seen

on page 54. While some things changed, others remained the same. Armament consisted of four M-3 20mm cannon, as it had been since the first production Panthers. The engine for the -8 was the Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8A, as it had been for the F9F-6 Cougar. Performance was almost identical to the -6, with a top speed of 647 mph at sea level, and 593 mph at 35,000 feet. This was at a combat weight of 17,328 pounds. Basic weight for the F9F-8 was 12,474 pounds, with a maximum take-off weight being 24,763 pounds. In addition to the external drop tanks, the F9F-8 could also carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles or four 500 pound bombs on additional racks under the folding portion of the wing. The F9F-8B, later called the AF-9J, was optimized for nuclear attack using the Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS). An Aero 22A rack was used to carry the special store, and was hung under the right wing. Both nuclear and conventional weapons could be delivered using the LABS technique. Conversion to the F9F-8B from existing F9F-8s was accomplished by the Navy rather than

Left side view of the first F9F-B as it appeared on February 7, 1957. 46

(Grumman)

The second F9F-B, 131064, is shown upon comple. tion. Like the first -B, this aircraft was initially unarmed. (Grumman)

A production F9F-B is shown in flight. Note the yaw string and indicator mark ahead of the windscreen. (Grumman)

being built as such by Grumman. For details of these external stores and racks, see pages 56 and 57. The Blue Angels received F9F-6 Cougars for a short while, but never performed in them, reverting to F9F-5 Panthers. The only Cougarto be used in shows was the F9F-8, with one -8T also being used. The F9F-8s served from 1955 to 1958, but the -8T continued on with the team after they converted to F11 F Tigers. For a fighter developed in the early 1950s, the F9F-8 enjoyed a remarkably long service life. Although there was no true prototype, F9F-6, 127216, was fitted with a -8 wing and flown for testing. It first flew on December 18,1953. The first production F9F-8 made its maiden flight on January 18,1954, with the last of the series not being phased out until the early 1970s, almost twenty years later. This was long after the

Cougar's early swept wing contemporaries (the Cutlass and Fury) had flown their last missions. In fact, the F11 F Tiger and F3H Demon, which followed the Cougar into service, were also long gone when many Cougars remained in service. There is something to be said for a rugged, durable, and dependable ai rplane.

This top view of a later F9F-B shows the gray and white scheme. Note that the white areas are not the same on the right wing as on the left, and that the entire top of the horizontal tail is white. (Grumman)

F9F-8 COUGAR PRODUCTION F9F-8

131063 134234 138823 141030 141648 144271 TOTAL: 601 Ai rcraft

th ru thru th ru thru thru thru

131251 134244 138898 141229 141666 144376

This underside view shows the white undersurfaces of the F9F-B. The splitter plate is an added feature ahead of the intake. The ANIARA-25 fairing is visible under the nose, and was a standard feature on the -B. Also clearly visible is the perforated speed brake just aft of the nose gear doors, and the refueling probe is in place on the nose. (Grumman) 47

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ON THE "CAT"

An F9F-8 from the Naval AIr TraInIng Command steps off the deck of a carrier. It was standard Navy practice for pilots to take off and land with the canopy open In order to facilitate a hasty exit In the event the aIrcraft wound up In the water. (National ArchIves)

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The USS Essex, CV-9, launches a VF-112 F9F-8 from her starboard "cat." A North American Savage is in the foreground. (N~tional Archives)

Here VA-76 F9F-BBs prepare to launch from the waist catapults of a carrier while VA-15 Skyraiders await the signal for take-off in the foreground. (National Archives) .

ThIs -8 Is beIng prepared for launch from the USS Saratoga, CVA-60. The nose of a Fury can be seen Just above (Grumman) the rIght wIng.

48

COMING ABOARD

Having caught a wire, this VF-112 F9F-B Is brought to a stop aboard the USS Essex, C V-9. (National Archives)

Another VF-112 Cougar experiences a bolter. A bolter occurs when the hook fails to engage any of the arresting cables, and the aircraft must go around for another try. (National Archives)

While retracting its tail hook, this VF-24 F9F-B taxis forward aboard the USS Lexington, CVS-16. A word of caution appears just ahead of the aircraft's nose. This photo was taken on February 13, 1963. (National Archives)

A Cocigar from VF-111Is shown completing recovery aboard a carrier. VF-111 now flies another Grumman product, the F-14 Tomcat. (National Archives)

49

F9F-8 COCKPIT DETAILS ~.

These two photos show the Instrument panel of an F9F-8. In the lower photo a cloth hood has been attached. The black Interior of the cockpit with chromate green floor reveals that the exterior of this aircraft was painted overall glossy sea blue. (Grumman) 50

Left console detail in an F9F-B.

(Grumman)

Right console and circuit breaker panel. The gray color of the cockpit indicates that these photos were taken in an aircraft that was painted in the gull gray over white scheme. (Grumman)

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Right side view of an ejection seat removed from an F9F-B. In the background the front view of another seat can be seen. (Grumman)

The details of the area behind the seat can be seen in ' this view. The canopy has been removed. (Grumman)

51

•

F9F-8 DETAILS

The outboard left flap Is seen In the third position In this view. The F9F-B had much larger trailing edge wing fillets than earlier Cougars. Clearly visible In this photograph Is the trailing edge of the left fillet, and It can be noted that the trailing edge became more and more blunt as It got closer to the fuselage. (Grumman)

This photograph shows the spine of the aircraft with portions of the skin removed to reveal some of the plumbing. One of the blow-in doors has been removed, and a portion of the engine Is visible. (Grumman)

52

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. G. 1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Ovlbpard Fl:ap

nap Stop Bolt (l) Hhlff Insert (3) Flap Hinge Pin (2) Wing Hinge Flttllli Flap Actuating Link Horn FHtlnii: Inboard Flap Hinge Fitting Aft Speed Brake Hydraulic: LInea Boncl.lng Wire Inboard Flap Aft Speed Brakes Actuating Cylinder Piston Rod

H. Horn fk>arlng 15. Inboard Flap Horn 16. Flying Tall Tab ShUt Push Rod (LH only) 17. Flying Tall Tab S!tllt Push Rod Fitting (LH only) 18. lnb03.rd Hinge Assembly 19.

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20. Flap Position Transmitter (RH only) 21. PoSition Transmitter ActuaUna; LInk. (RH only) 22. Position Transmitter Link FitUng (RH only) 23. Outboard Flap Actuating CyUnder 24.

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This drawing shows the outboard and inboard left flap detail of an F9F-B. (U.S. Navy)

WING FOLD DETAIL

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(Grumman)

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These two views show the wing fold detail on the right wing of the first F9F-B, 131063.

(Grumman)

At left Is a close-up view of the forward portion of the left wing fold on F9F-B, 141140, and at right Is a detail photo of the lighting Installation next to the wing fold on the left wing. (Grumman)

53

•

SPLITTER· PLATE

As originally produced, the Inner wall of the Intakes on the F9F-B was simply the fuselage skin as seen In these two views. Production proceeded past the days of the all blue scheme Into the era of the gull gray over white scheme with the Intakes In this configuration. Howeveran occasional photograph Is found of a Cougar In the all blue scheme with the plate Installed as described below. (Grumman)

\

Later In the production of the F9F-B series, a boundary layer splitter plate was added between the Intake and fuselage. Shown at left Is the right side plate after Installation, and at right Is the completed and painted left side (Grumman) plate.

This In-flight view shows the Installation of the splitter plate to good effect and forms a comparison to the two photos at the top of the page. (Grumman)

54

F9F-8 CANNON ARMAMENT

Like the Panthers and earlier Cougars, the F9F-B was armed with four 20 mm cannon. However all four ammunition boxes were mounted above the guns as seen In these two photos. (Grumman)

55

, PYLON DETAILS

The Inner Aero 65A pylon was wet, and was used to carry fuel tanks, bombs, flares, and rockets. In the center Is an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile adapter and launch rail, while the outboard pylon Is an Aero 15A bomb rack. (Grumman)

In this close-up photo, the details of the curved Aero 65A racks can be seen. The view is looking forward, and the wing is in the folded position. (Grumman)

56

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The Aero 22A rack is shown here under the right wing of an F9F-B. This rack was fitted to F9F-BBs, and was used to carry a nuclear weapon. (Grumman)

EXTERNAL STORES

An F9F-8 Is ready for launch from a carrier. On the Aero 65A pylons are external fuel tanks, while bombs are carried on two Aero 15A racks under each wing. This Is one of the rare Instances where a Cougar In the overall blue scheme Is seen with the Intake splitter plate Instal/ed. (National Archives)

F9F-8, 141140, Is shown with six bombs carried on both the Aero 65A and Aero 15A racks.

This Cougar is armed for the air-to-air mission with two fuel tanks and four Sidewinder missiles. (Grumman)

(Grumman)

This F9F-8 at China Lake carries a rocket pod on its inboard left pylon. (National Archives)

57

•

F9F-8P

The first F9F-8, 131063 was fitted with an elongated camera nose, and became the first prototype for the F9F-8P photo reconnaissance version of the Cougar. (Grumman) As with the earlier Panthers and Cougars, the Navy followed precedent and ordered a photographic reconnaissance version of the F9F-8. However this version showed a marked difference from earlier photo versions. An entirely new nose was designed, and fourteen cameras could be carried. This was twice the number that any of the Panthers or F9F-6P Cougar carried. A VF-34 viewfinder replaced the. usual gunsight, and no guns were carried in the -8P. The design of the nose was thoroughly tested, and although longer and much more cumbersome looking than the standard nose, the F9F-8P performance characteristics were almost identical to that of the F9F-8. Flight testing of the F9F-8P began in February 1955, and 110 were built between August 1955 and July 1957. Except for the camera nose, the specifications for the -8P were the same as for the -8. Even the

F9F-8P COUGAR PRODUCTION F9F-8P

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. HI. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.

58

141668 thru 141727 144377 th ru 144426 TOTAL: 110 Ai rcraft

CA_13B Camera with CtL-8 Cone CA-17A Camera Inte-;ral Lens Cone Dehydrator and Motor SCanner Converter, Mod HA By.tem Relay Unlt Forward Station Relay Unit Overrun Control Window WUlhing Tank and FUler VF-34 Viewfinder Statton Relay Units, AB Servo Power VIlU Central Computer Scanner Battery Maga%lne Reay Unit Rotary Mount STA 3 Camera Window STA 3 Rotary Me-.mt STA 2 Camera WIndow STA 2 Ca.men Mount STA 1 ACCU8 Door STA 1 Forward Camera Window

in-flight refueling capability was retained in the -8P. This version served until being replaced by the RF-8 Crusader and RA-5C Vigilante.

To evaluate the airflow over the new nose shape, dozens of small streamers were taped to the side of the nose. Note the name "Banana Nose" painted on the side. (Grumman)

CAMERA NOSE DETAILS

~----

Crewmen are shown here working In the lower camera bay of an F9F-BP. The two right side camera windows and the forward-looking window are clearly visible. (National Archives)

These two views show the right and left side bays open for maintenance.

(National Archives)

59

F9F-8P COCKPIT DETAILS r

~ ~

Instrument panel In an F9F-8P.

(Grumman)

Left and right console details In an F9F-8P.

(Grumman)

60

FLYING STUDY

These four flying vlewB of the F9F-8P present an Interesting In-flight study, and reveal many of the aircraft's features and details. (Bottom right, National Archives; All other photos are courtesy of Grumman) 61

F9F-8T

The prototype F9F-BT, 141667, is shown here on its first flight. For some time it had a natural metal finish, but was later paInted In the gull gray over white scheme. Note that the F9F-BT had the Intake splitterplate from the begInnIng. (Grumman) The only member of the entire F9F family to have two seats and serve as a trainer was the F9F-8T. It had a lengthened fuselage to allow for a second cockpit in tandem with the first, and it was armed with only two of the 20mm cannon with only 130 rounds per gun. Otherwise the aircraft was the same as the F9F-8, using the same engine, wing, and tail surfaces. Like the F9F-8, it had the in-flight refueling capability, and could carry the external fuel tanks, AIM-9 Sidewinders, and bomb load of the standard -8. Gross weight was 400 pounds above that of the -8. The F9F-8T first flew on April4, 1956, and remained in service longer than any other of the Cougar variants. It was retired from service by VT-4 in February 1974, being replaced by the TA-4 Skyhawk. During the war in Vietnam, at least four F9F-8Ts (then designated TF-9J) were used by the Marines as forward ai r control aircraft.

F9F-8T COUGAR PRODUCTION F9F-8T 142437 142954 146342 147270 TOTAL: 400 Aircraft 62

thru th ru th ru thru

141667 142532 143012 146425 147429

This top view of an F9F-BT shows the large canopy and cockpit to good effect. (Grumman)

An F9F-BT from the Naval Air Training Command Is In-flight refueled from an F-4 Phantom.

(U.S. Navy)

This F9F-BT Is shown being hoisted aboard a carrier.

(Grumman)

63

1/72nd SCALE DRAWINGS

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fLAPERONS (INC. FLAPEREITE AREA 9.24 SQ. FT.) TOTAL 18.48 SQ. FT. WING TRIMMER 2.36 SQ. FT.

ANGULAR MOVEMENT DIVE FLAP 46" OOW~ INBOARD FLAP 40" DOWN FLAPERON 55" UP FlAPERmE 55° UP

flAP 21" DOWN WING TRIMMER 15· UP 15" DOWN

STATION DESIGNATIONS

HORIZONTAL TAIL DIHEDRAl O· INCIDENCE O· ROOT CHORD AT (56.375 (4'-8-3/8'j AIRFOil NACA 64A009 STREAMWI$f TIP CHORD 28.187 (1'... \87")

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ANGULAR MOVEMENT STABILIZER 04.112 0 UP 6-112 0 DOWN 0 ELEVATOR 30 UP_15° DOWN (TOTAL FROM NEUTRAL ST AB) ElEV RIGGED 0 AT 0 FROM STAB. NEUTRAl POSITION WITH FLYING TA IL POWEll: ON 0 0 ELEVATOft TAB 12 UP 20 DOWN (FLYING TAIl)

64

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POWER PlANT PRATI & WHITNEY J4P-8A STATIC seA LEVEL THRUST (MILT. RATED DRY) 7,250# FUEL CAPACITY-FUseLAGE TANKS 847 GALS. WING TANKS 216 GALS. TOTAL (INCLUDING 2-150 GAL. DROP TANKS) 1063 GALS.

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The first F9F-8T, now fully painted In the gull gray over white scheme, Is seen In flight with the canopy open and the landing gear extended. (Grumman)

This time wearing a red and white paint scheme, the first F9F- T Is shown carrying fuel tanks and Sidewinder missiles. The -8T had only two 20 mm cannon, as compared to four In the standard -8, but could carry the same external stores. (Grumman)

The upper surface markings for the common red and white scheme are shown In this photo of F9F-8T, 142438. (Grumman)

66

Solid white F9F-BTs of VT-22 are shown here conducting operations aboard the USS Essex, CVS-9 on November 7, 1964. (U.S. Navy)

An F9F-BT as seen on the USS Saratoga, CVA-60. In the background is the next Grumman "Cat," an F11 F Tiger. (Grumman)

Oops! This F9F-BT, by then redesignated TF-9J, shows just how strong the tail hook is. The aircraft went over the side of the USS Lexington, but was saved with no injuries to the pilot except for his pride. (U.S. Navy)

With wings folded, an F9F-BT waits on the flight deck of the USS Saratoga for its next mission.(Grumman)

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MODELER'S SECTION PRODUCT REVIEW POLICY. In each of our publications we will try to review kits and decals that are available to the scale modeler. We hope to be able to review every currently available kit that is useable by the scale modeler. Kits produced in the past that are no longer generally available, and those more intended to be toys than accurate scale models will not usually be covered. Additionally, we do not

intend to give a complete step-by-step correctionby-correction account of how to build each kit. Instead we intend to give a brief description of what is available to the modeler, and point out some of the good and not-sa-good points of each kit or product. In this way we hope to give an overall picture of what the modeler has readily available for his use in building the particular aircraft involved.

KIT REVIEWS SMALL SCALE KIT COMET AND AURORA 1/82nd SCALE F9F-6 This hard-to-find kit from the 1950s is the oldest and smallest Cougar kit, and the only one that represents an F9F-6. With a length of about six inches and a span of just over 5.1 inches, this model measures out to around 1/82nd scale, so unfortunately it does not fit into any common scale category. It was issued first by Comet and later by Aurora. The kit provides only the basics, with no landing gear, cockpit, or external stores provided. With no landing gear included, a two-piece stand is provided so that the model may be displayed in the in-flight configuration. Typical of kits from the fifties, you can look in the intakes and see out the exhaust, there being nothing inside the fuselage. Another characteristic of those early plastic kits was the scribing of the locations for the decals. This model has this feature, clearly showing where all eight decals go. These consist of four national insignia, two NAVY markings, and two BuNo blocks reading F9F-6, NAVY, 126257. This indicates that the first production F9F-6 was the aircraft represented by this model. The shape and outline of the model seem correct. Surface scribing is recessed, and, although somewhat sparse, it seems correct. Exceptions include foot holes and canopy latches on both sides of the nose rather than on just the left side, and perhaps an extra row of perforations on either side of the speedbrakes. There are no gun ports scribed in the nose, however vents for the gun gasses are present. The other missing item in the scribing department is the inner main gear doors. In building our review model, we decided to make some improvements. First, inside walls to the air intakes were added from plastic card. A tail pipe was added inside the aft fuselage. Together these two improvements eliminated the see-through problem. Second, we cut open the cockpit area and added a 68

This small Comet kit was the only injected molded kit of the F9F-6/7 Cougar produced. Today it is quite hard to find.

floor, consoles, instrument panel, seat, and pilot figure. Except for the pilot, all work was done using plastic stock. The pilot came from the parts box, and was an undersized figure from some forgotten 1/72nd scale kit. The scribing for the decal locations was filled in and sanded smooth, after which other scribing, removed during the sanding process, was re:scribed. Assembly of the kit was straight forward, and included only eight pieces. These included two fuselage halves, two outer wing panels, two wing fences, a horizontal tail, and a canopy. The two pieces of the display stand bring the total to ten parts for the entire kit. Needless to say, it all went together rather quickly with pretty good fit. Some filling and sanding was needed, particularily on the joints where the wings are attached to the fuselage. Once completed, the finished product is a very attractive though small model. It could easily be painted in any number of colorful schemes applied to the real Cougars, and either an F9F-6 or F9F-7 could be modeled. Also possible would be an F9F-6P, with

only some additions of camera windows in the nose required for the conversion. With only a bit more work, it would be interesting to see the model built with landing gear. This should be fairly easy to accomplish. Doors could be made from plastic card, while the gear itself could probably be found in so me 1/1 OOth scale kit or even a smal11 172nd scale model. Though more of a collector's item, this model remains the only way to build an early Cougar from a box. About the only other wa-y would be to convert a Panther kit. Like the actual aircraft, the model is simple but most attractive. We recommend this kit.

1/72nd SCALE KITS AIRMODEL 1/72nd SCALE VACU-FORMED F9F-81 -8P/-8T

For some time this was the only kit available in 1/72nd scale, and, being a vacu-formed kit, it required much work, a lot of which was beyond the skills of the younger and the average modeler. We had purchased this kit with the intention of building an F9F-8 Cougar, but before we ever got around to it the Minicraft/Hasegawa injected molded kit became available, so we built that instead. But the Airmodel kit, having parts for the -8P and -8T, remained worthwhile for conversion parts. We took the -8P nose from the Airmodel kit and spliced it to a Minicraft kit to build a nice F9F-8P. The fit between the two was quite good, and the conversion was very simple. At several model contests we have seen the -8T nose from the Airmodel kit used with a Minicraft model to build a beautiful F9F-8T. We have not tried this conversion yet, but will probably do so in the future. Suffice it to say that it will be a more difficult

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This Minicraft kit is finished in one of the many colorful sets of markings used with the gray over white scheme.

1/48th SCALE KIT REVELL 1/48th SCALE F9F-8 This kit was released several times in both the overall blue and the white and orange training scheme. It 70

Revell had several releases of its 1I4Bth scale Cougar which represented an F9F-B. It is shown here with some rework, and built in the in-flight configuration. It is mounted on one of the old swivel stands provided in Revell kits of the '50s.

DECAL SUMMARY Note: It is impossible to completely review decals unless the reviewer has actually used the decals on a model to see how they fit. Additionally, markings on a given aircraft can be changed from time to time, so it is possible that the decals may be accurate for one point in time and not another. Therefore, this section is more of a listing of decals available than a review. Review comments are.made only in regard to fit when we have actually used the decals or as to accuracy when the evidence clearly indicated an error. 1/82nd Scale Kit Comet/Aurora F9F-6 Kit: Contains only basic markings for the first production F9F-6, BuNo 126257. The national insignia has the blue surround which is incorrect for an aircraft in the overall blue scheme. 1/72nd Scale Kit Minicraft/Hasegawa F9F-8, Kit Number 1139: Provides markings for three aircraft. • F9F-8, 131036, VF-81, in a gull gray over white scheme. This was the first production F9F-8. • F9F-8, 138891, VT-26, in an orange and white training scheme. The aircraft is designated a TAF-9J. • F9F-8, 131205, in the Blue Angels scheme. Aircraft number 1 is represented .. Note: This kit also contains basic stencils as well as decals for the instrument panel and consoles. 1/48th Scale Kit Revell F9F-8 Kit: As originally released, this model had basic markings for a Cougar in the overall blue scheme. A later release had a white and orange training scheme. The aircraft number was 128140, which is the number for an F9F-6, not an F9F-8. "NAVY/MARINE" is on the fuselage sides, and the aircraft has a tail code of 7V. The Lodella release has Blue Angel markings. 1172nd SCALE SHEETS Microscale Sheet Number 72-207: Provides markings for five Cougars. • QF-9J, 144272, in an overall red scheme with teeth on the nose. • F9F-8, 139712, VF-13, in a gull gray over white scheme. • F9F-8, 141217, VA-46, in a gull gray over white scheme. • F9F-8, 141068, VF-81, in the overall blue scheme. • F9F-6, 127383, VF-191, in the overall blue scheme:. Notes: On this sheet Microscale used photographs rather than drawings for four of the five aircraft. While photographs are excellent to provide proof of markings and to show the modeler marking details, these are so poor that it leaves some doubt as to the location of some markings. It would have been much better if these had been supplemented with drawings. Several errors and omissions should be mentioned. • QF-9J, 144272. The instructions do not indicate that the small blade antennas should be added on the nose just ahead of the windscreen on top, and just ahead of the nose gear door on the bottom. If the model represented on a decal sheet has differences than what is provided in the recommended kit, we believe that these should be pointed out to the modeler. See pages 40 and 41 in this book for reference. • F9F-8, 141068. A color photograph of this ai rcraft appears at the top of page 34 in this book, and can be used for reference. The red and white design at the top of the tail is incorrect in that it should be completely outl ined in wh ite. Fu rther, th is same design is also on the tops and bottoms of the wing ti ps, and decals are not provided for this. No mention of it is on the instruction sheet. The red nose flash should be completely outlined in white, but is not at the end where it meets the top of the intake. The BuNos are not included for the nose. The nose number 111 is repeated on the main gear doors, but decals are not provided. There is a flat black walkway above each intake, but no mention is made about it on the instruction sheet. It is visible on the photo, but it is difficult to tell what it is. We know of one modeler that interpreted it to be a bare metal area like that used on Blue Angel aircraft. • F9F-6, 127383. Just what model is to be used with these decals is not known. There is no 1/72nd scale kit of the F9F-6, and the instructions do not give any information in this regard. The decals would be incorrect for the M inicraft kit. Microscale Sheet Number 72-329: Provides markings for two aircraft, one of which is an F9F-8, 141106, from VA-66. The aircraft is in the gull gray over white scheme. The nose number is 307, and the tail code is AF. 71

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