F9F Panther Variants

[Rob M.]

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can confirm whether an F9F-3 Panther is the same as an F9F-2 Panther just with a different engine?

Are there any significant external differences?

Cheers,

Rob

[datguy]

Per Detail and Scale Vol.15, by Kinzey: the -2 and -3 were essentially identical apart from the lower thrust engine in the -3. 54 were produced, and most were re-engined to bring them to -2 standard

Joe Baugher states: " In October 1949 virtually all F9F-3s were re-engined with 5750 lb.s.t. Pratt & Whitney J42 turbojets, and thereby became indistinguishable from the F9F-2. " http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_fighters/f9_3.html

DG

[Rob M.]

Cheers for that!

Rob

[junco]

Need to check which machine you are building as the -3 did not have the weapons load the -2 had because of thrust issue.

Regards, Neil

[JMChladek]

I believe the -3 had all of the hardpoints that the -2 had, but yes, it couldn't carry as much into combat. In regards to kit plastic available (i.e. the 1/48 Trumpeter and 1/72 Hobbyboss kits) the plastic is the same between the -2 and -3 models as far as I know from the companies that currently offer them.

[Tailspin Turtle]

I forgot that I had done something on this. See http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2012/01/f9f-3-panther.html

Neither the F9F-2 nor -3 orginally had pylons on the wings. They were added to the F9F-2 in a modification that resulted in them being designated F9F-2B. As far as I know, they were never incorporated on the F9F-3, at least as long as it was powered by the Allison engine. (I don't know whether the reengined -3s were redesignated -2s....) The -2B designation fell into disuse after most or all of the -2s had been modified.

[Rob M.]

Thanks all,

Rob