Rare-1 Bearcat to take to the air

IN 1995, the retiree aircraft restoration team at Northrop-Grumman took delivery of its 13th and final restoration project. This rare F8F-1B Bearcat (BuNo. 122120) was recently sent back to Thailand for painting and test-flying. It was recognized as the team's most difficult task since being founded in 1974 (by the late Grumman employee Art Romeo).

The Bearcat was restored for the Air Classic Association & Foundation of Thailand. Because it was restored to flying status, the team had to confront many problems not associated with previous projects and more akin to their former jobs of building new airplanes. The team did all the airframe restoration work, and several of the Bearcat's parts were handmade, but the propeller and Pratt & Whitney R280022W powerplant were contracted out to specialist warbird restoration companies. A new cockpit instrument panel was designed and manufactured to accommodate modern navaids and radio equipment, and the final task was engine and systems installation before it was shipped to Thailand, where it will be the star of the Thai historic collection.

The group's previously restored aircraft have gone to distinguished museums such as the USS Intrepid Aviation Museum and the National Air and Space Museum.

-Paul Coggan

Copyright Air Age Publishing Dec 2003
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