F9F-5 141136

The first F9F-5 (also a converted -2 airframe) flew on December 21, 1949, and deliveries began on November 5, 1950. Production totaled 616 in addition to the prototype, and most squadrons that had equipped on the -2s converted onto the later model.

At least one Marine squadron, VMA-334, flew F9F-4s in Korea, where the F9F-2s of VF-51 and VF-52 flying off the USS Valley Forge, had become the first Navy jet fighters used in combat on 3 July 1950. Before the end of that conflict, no fewer than 24 Navy squadrons (including Reserve units) had flown Panthers from carriers on station off Korea. On November 9, 1950 and F9F-2 from VF-111 flown by Lt Cdr Tom Amen became the first Navy jet to shoot down a jet aircraft in combat, destroying a MiG-15. The first combat success by the Panther had been achieved earlier, when a VF-51 shot down two piston-engined Yak-9s on July 3, 1950 (source: United States Navy Aircraft since 1911 by Gordon Swanborough and Peter Bowers)

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Photo by Dave Hanson

Remarks: This aircraft became a USS Midway Museum exhibit on 27 December 2005.

EXHIBITED WEAPONS LOAD

4 – 30 cal. Machine guns.

Photo by Frank Warren.

Bu No 141136 Assignment Record

Assignment record not yet available.

Note: If you believe there is a discrepancy with the Bu No of this aircraft, click here to learn more about it.

Date of manufacture: Unknown

Manufacturer: Grumman

Photo by David Hanson, USS Midway Museum Curatorial Collections Manager

On hand for the arrival of F9F-5 Panther 106 aboard USS Midway Museum on 27 December 2005 were former VF-781 squadron mates Ed Bethel (left) and E. Royce Williams.

In November of 1952 Captain Williams made Naval Aviation history in a Panther. He writes, "I was the pilot of the F9F-5 # 106 when attacked by 7 Soviet MIG-15s. A long aerial battle ensued in which I shot down at least 3 of the attackers....maybe 4. My plane was badly damaged but I was fortunate to get back aboard on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany."

Captain Williams was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his participation in this action.

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This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

Click here to view their web site's Panther page.