Grumman TF-9J Cougar

Even before the Panther entered service the Navy and Grumman were examining the possibility of creating a swept-wing version of the aircraft. The appearance of the Soviet MiG-15 over Korea spurred on the process and the prototype made its first flight in September 1951. While the Cougar retained the F9F designation of the earlier Panther it was in reality an almost entirely new design bearing only a superficial resemblance to the Panther. Initially seen as an interim design the Cougar turned out to be very adaptable and several versions and modifications were made over its lifetime. The two-seat trainer version of the Cougar included a strengthened fuselage and landing gear, longer nose and other internal changes. Ironically, the only version of the Cougar to see combat was the TF-9J trainer. The Marine Corps used several in Vietnam as Forward Air Control aircraft. Eventually nearly 2,000 Cougars of all types were built and some remained is service as late as 1974.