|
Grumman F11F Tiger
F-11F in MAPS large hangar • photo ©
James Kohan
Aircraft Background:
Officially part of the USN Collection, the F11F
is on indefinite loan from the U.S. Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola,
FL, to MAPS Air Museum for restoration purposes. 
After fitting new tire onto the wheel of the
F-11F, Crew Chief Brian Brubaker measures for new wheel
bearing. The bearing was shot when MAPS took over restoration of
this aircraft • photo ©
James Kohan
Crew Chief Brian Brubaker test fits locking hub
nut on the F-11F • photo ©
James Kohan
Aircraft's History:
Originally
a Grumman test case to apply aerodynamic changes to the Grumman Cougar,
the F11F evolved into a unique aircraft all its own. Serving
only 4 years with active Navy squadrons, the Tiger suffered
from bad timing - it was put into service at the same
time as the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader. While faster and better handling
at lower altitudes than the Crusader, it was about 300 mph slower at 35,000 feet,
where it was thought most combat action would take place. The Tigers saw
the most time in service
as part of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team, with whom it
served from 1957 until 1969, when the flight team switched to using the McDonnell
Douglas F-4 Phantom. Notable facts on the Tiger include the
fact that instead of using normal wing construction techniques (thin
skin over ribs), the F11F wings and tail planes were milled from a
single slab of alloy. This will cause some challenges during the
restoration process, as intragranular corrosion has caused issues with the
wing and tail planes. Unlike the normal 'skin over ribs'
construction, repairing such damage is a more lengthy and time-consuming
process. 
stabilizer/elevator unit in restoration building.
Specifications:
Span:
31' 7"
Length: 46' 11"
Height: 13' 3"
Weight:
21,280 lbs loaded
Armament: 4 20mm cannon, up to 4 AIM-9
Sidewinder missiles
Engine: Wright J65-W-18 with 10,500 lbs
thrust in afterburner mode. PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed:
753 mph
Cruising speed: 578 mph
Range: 1,275
miles
Service Ceiling: 41,900 ft Crew Chief: Crew Chief's Update (Restoration Progress):
05/29/2007 New tires have been located for the F-11F. The
right side tire has been installed onto the wheel and we're awaiting a
replacement wheel bearing to refit the wheel assembly onto the
aircraft. We'd like to get the wheels back on the aircraft to allow
us to move it around the hangar as needed in the coming months.
Installation of the left tire will be taking place shortly. |