Grumman F8F Bearcat

F8F Bearcat
An F8F Bearcat warbird over Fly Navy Day 2016
Role	Fighter aircraft Type of aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Grumman
First flight	21 August 1944
Introduction	21 May 1945
Retired	1963 VNAF[1]
Status	Retired
Primary users	United States Navy United States Marine Corps French Air Force Royal Thai Air Force
Number built	1,265

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.

Modified versions of the Bearcat have broken speed records for piston-engined aircraft. Today, the Bearcat is popular among warbird owners and air racers.