The F-8F
Bearcat was arguably the finest fighter ever built. It was
prop-driven. It was too late for WWII and became quickly outdated as the
jets came in. Those who have flown both the Bearcat and the Mustang have
been hard pressed to define the better bird to me, but most lean toward the
Bearcat.
Bearcat
Specifications:
|
Max Speed = 455
mph |
Cruising Speed: 425 mph
|
|
Range: 1650
miles |
Service Ceiling: 42,300 ft.
|
|
Span: 35 ft. 6
in. |
Length: 27 ft. 6 in.
|
|
Height: 13 ft. 10
in. |
Weight: 9, 300 lbs. Max
|
Engine: Latest R-2800-E engine
with a max rating of 2,500
hp.
Don't you just love all the different
specifications you can find on the web? Warbird Alley list the following
for the P-51D with a 1695HP engine:
Top speed: 437 mph
Ceiling: 41,900 ft
Empty weight: 7,125 lbs
Max takeoff: 12,100 lbs
While they show the Bearcat with a 2100HP engine
at:
Top speed 421 mph
Ceiling 38,700 ft
Empty weight: 7,070 lbs
Max takeoff: 12,947 lbs
Most other sites listed the Bearcat's top speed in
the 421 to 428 mph range, but that was at 2100HP. I did find one site that
stated 455 mph but it wasn't clear what HP rating was being used. Even at
455mph I wouldn't say that the Bearcat was "quite a bit faster".
So when comparing the two planes I think "arguably" is the right word to
use. Both have loyal fans and both are awesome airplanes. I would
have a permanent ear-to-ear grin for the rest of my life if I could get
some stick time in either one.
Tom Gourley
|