WarSimBox
Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat, the in-game model
1945USAFighter

Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat

The Grumman F8F Bearcat was a carrier fighter made by fitting the Hellcat’s huge R-2800 engine into the smallest, lightest airframe possible. It climbed well enough to rival the early jets. It arrived too late for the war, but is counted among the best piston fighters; a modified Bearcat set the world speed record for piston-engined aircraft in 1989.

Against the kamikazes

The US Navy wanted an interceptor that climbed very fast and could also fly from small carriers, to counter the kamikaze attacks. Grumman fitted the Hellcat’s engine into a much smaller airframe; the bubble canopy and light structure made the Bearcat both agile and an outstanding climber. The first squadron was ready in the spring of 1945, but had not yet seen combat when the war ended.

Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat, side view
Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat: the in-game model from the side.

Records and Indochina

The Bearcat was one of the first aircraft of the US Navy’s display team, the Blue Angels. France used it in the Indochina War, and it also flew with the Thai air force. A Bearcat modified for racing, “Rare Bear”, set the world speed record for piston-engined aircraft in 1989.

In WarSimBox

In the game it is an energy fighter in the second stage of the research tree: it climbs very strongly, is very agile and has emergency power. It has four .50 in guns and a short range.

Unlocked in the aircraft tree after researching North American P-51D Mustang and 2000 hp radial engine.

Top speed
675 km/h · 5,500 m
Climb
23.9 m/s
Sustained turn
18.6 s
Stall speed
163 km/h

These figures come from the game’s flight model (climb, turn and stall at sea level).

Fly it in WarSimBox