I came across a photo of a Panther in French Fleet Air Arm markings. But in none my books or knowlege of French Naval Air Don't I recall any use by them. Corsairs & Crusaders, yes. But Panthers?????
2006-10-30 04:50:16 · 3 answers · asked by lana_sands 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I see no mention of GRUMMAN ever making a sale of the F9F to France
I doubt that anyone would mistake a Bearcat for a Panther tho'
2006-10-30 05:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you probably came across was a test plane for the french to try out. It was the early jet age and everybody was looking for a plane that was practical for there force. I don't think the french bought them though. i believe the panther was too heavy for French carriers at the time. Not that they couldn't launch them just that when they came back aboard they would damage the deck after repeated landings.
2006-10-30 13:02:21 · answer #2 · answered by brian L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure it was a Panther F9F and not a F8F Bearcat ?
Because I'm quite sure USA never sold any F9F to France but they did sell F8F Bearcat though...
2006-10-30 13:05:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋