SkyMax Flying Heroes SM1004
Grumman F8F Bearcat Diecast Model
USN Blue Angels, "Beetle Bomb", 1949 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F8F Bearcat | | 4.75" | | 6" |
In the Blue Angels' early years, the demonstration included a mock dogfight with an all-yellow "enemy" aircraft nicknamed the "Beetle Bomb". This role was originally undertaken by an SNJ but as the Blues transitioned from the F6F Hellcat to the F8F Bearcat, the SNJ was traded for an yellow F8F of the same name. Three F8Fs would perform the maneuvers until the enemy would attack the three Bearcats to begin a dogfight. At this point the forth F8F would join the group that would then split into two two-plane sections to pursue the enemy. The enemy pilot would always lose the fight ending in his aircraft hurdling towards the ground in smoke and a dummy thrown out to represent the pilot bailing out.
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 2003-2024 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 2003-2016 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
