The F-9 Cougar was a carrier-based, jet fighter aircraft used by the US Navy. It was developed by Grumman based on the F9F fighter. It first flew on September 20, 1951, and entered into service in june 1952. The swept-wing F-9 Cougar was also used as reconnaissance aircraft fitted out with cameras instead of the nose cannon.
The only version of the Cougar to see combat was the TF-9J trainer. Four Cougars of H&MS-13 were used in the airborne command role, directing airstrikes against enemy positions in South Vietnam during 1966 and 1967. The TF-9J had a long service with US Navy, but the Cougar evolution (with J52 engine) was defeated when US Navy selected TA-4F instead. The only foreign armed force to use the F-9 Cougar was the Argentine Navy, who used the F9F Panther as well. Two F-9-8Ts trainers were acquired in 1962, and served until 1971.
Specifications for the Grumman F-9J Cougar
Engine: one Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8A turbojet.
Maximum speed: 647 mph (1,041 km/h).
Range: 1,312 mi (2,111 km).
Service ceiling: 42,000 ft (12,800 m).
Rate of climb: 5,750 ft/min (29.2 m/s).
Length: 42 ft 2 in (12.9 m).
Wingspan: 34 ft 6 in (10.5 m).
Crew: one
Weapons: four 20 mm (0.79 in) M2 cannons; six 5 in (127 mm) rockets; four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; could carry up to two 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs.
