Classified ¿Restricted¿, the manual was declassified and is here reprinted in book form. This affordable facsimile has been slightly reformatted. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.

By the last half of World War II, most new US fighter designs were much heavier and more complex than earlier fighters.

The Grumman F8F Bearcat represents the pinnacle of US carrier-borne piston-engine fighter design.

The Grumman F8F was a fast, agile, carrier-borne fighter aircraft developed as the ultimate dogfighter for the Pacific Theater. This is the most complete collection of Bearcat photography in print.

... F8F was the last pis- ton engine fighter Grumman would build for the Navy . A total of 1,263 Bearcats were procured . Models Accepted from the Manufacturer ( New Builds ) XF8F - 1 : Experimental version of F8F - 1 . XF8F - 1N ...

... F8F was the last pis- ton engine fighter Grumman would build for the Navy . A total of 1,263 Bearcats were procured . Models Accepted from the Manufacturer ( New Builds ) XF8F - 1 : Experimental version of F8F - 1 . XF8F - 1N ...

... F8F-1s built were followed by 126 F8F-1Bs with four 20-millimeter cannons, and 15 radar-equipped F8F-1Ns. Starting in 1948, Grumman produced 293 F8F-2s featuring a revised engine cowling, taller tail fin, and 20-millimeter arma- ment ...