Tiger by the Tail

Grumman has a long and storied history of designing and manufacturing shipboard aircraft for the US Navy.  This blog will focus on the twin engine F7F Tigercat. First introduced into operational service in 1944, the F7F was one of the fastest piston-engine fighters having a top speed significantly greater than vaunted F6F Hellcat at sea level. USN Captain Fred Trapnell, a premier USN test pilot, stated: "It's the best damn fighter I've ever flown."  A version of it was built as a night fighter. Though too late to see combat in WWII, these aircraft did see limited combat during the Korean War, serving until 1954.  By then jet powered fighters were replacing propeller airplanes.  This F7F-3 Tigercat wears the moniker, "Bad Kitty".  The gritty black and white image gives the photo a distinctive period look. I hope you enjoy and thanks for visiting my page!