On Thursday, April 24, the Platinum Fighter Sales team launched the iconic Blue Angels Bearcat from Aurora, Illinois, to Galveston, Texas. This marked the first leg of its journey to a new European home. The F8F-2 Bearcat was recently sold to a European-based flying collection, which has requested to remain anonymous until their official unveiling. This sale not only highlights the enduring legacy of the Bearcat but also its significance in aviation history.
The F8F-2 Bearcat, built by Grumman in 1948, was a product of its time, designed as the U.S. Navy transitioned to jet aircraft. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Bearcat primarily served with stateside units and was retired in 1957 after accumulating just 606 flying hours. Its journey didn’t end there; Kaman Aircraft acquired it for use as a static wind generator for helicopter testing, registering it as N1030B, although it never took to the skies during that period.
In 1970, the Bearcat found a new home when Kaman donated it to the U.S. Marine Corps Museum (now the National Museum of the Marine Corps). It remained in storage until 1996, when it was sold to Air SRV Inc. and the Lone Star Flight Museum. After a meticulous restoration, the Bearcat was re-registered as N68RW and returned to flight in 2003, adorned in the striking Blue Angels colors. Since then, it has graced numerous airshows, often flying alongside modern F/A-18 Hornets, showcasing the evolution of naval aviation.
The Bearcat’s connection to the Blue Angels is steeped in history, dating back to the team’s early days when Bearcats were integral to their aerial demonstrations, including the famous “Beetle Bomb” routine. This aircraft is not just a piece of machinery; it represents a rich tapestry of naval aviation history, embodying the spirit of the Blue Angels and their commitment to excellence in flight.
Today, only 22 F8F Bearcats are known to survive, with six held by government-owned collections (four in Thailand and two in the United States) and 16 in civilian hands, primarily in the U.S. The restoration of BuNo 121776 was completed in 2005, ensuring that this legendary aircraft continues to inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts. The sale of this Bearcat is a significant milestone, and congratulations are in order for Platinum Fighter Sales and the new owner for acquiring such a remarkable piece of aviation history.
