SkyMax Flying Heroes SM1013
Grumman F8F Bearcat Diecast Model
USN VF-61 Jolly Rogers, White 101, 1949 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F8F Bearcat | | 4.75" | | 6" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of May 2026.- Orders may not ship until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
In 1949, VF-61 operated the F8F Bearcat, one of the U.S. Navy's fastest piston-engine fighters. The Bearcat was designed for rapid climb and superior maneuverability, excelling in carrier operations during the post-World War II period. VF-61 pilots valued its powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine and rugged construction, which made it effective for fleet defense and air combat training. Although the jet age was emerging, the Bearcat remained a vital asset in 1949, bridging the gap between propeller-driven and jet fighters. VF-61's use of the F8F Bearcat represented the pinnacle of piston fighter development in the Navy.
Designed to emulate a captured Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and to outperform the Japanese A6M5 Zero, the Grumman F8F Bearcat was first flown on August 21, 1944. This single-engine US Navy aircraft was Grumman's last piston-engined fighter, possessing a number of innovative features including uniquely "detachable wingtips," which would snap off if g-forces reached a certain level. Though the Bearcat was considered one of the best-handling piston-engined fighters in history, it didn't become operational after the end of WWII. Still, the Bearcat earned an important place in history through its postwar service with the US Navy and its use by the Blue Angels aerobatic performance team. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
SkyMax's 1:72 scale F8F Bearcat is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, with value pricing and just the right number of features. The fuselage is designed with a near-seamless blend of plastic and diecast metal, featuring a removable bubble-top canopy and a clear view of the pad-printed instruments and control stick. Cooling fins on each of the cylinder heads can be seen inside the engine cowling. The solid metal wing has crisp panel line details, simulated fabric-stretched ailerons and air intakes with internal piping. Other details include a center-mounted fuel tank, rockets, bombs and machine guns with wing clearance blisters (not available in air show releases).
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The SkyMax "Flying Heroes" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. SkyMax offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings.
SkyMax"Flying Heroes" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
