Medium detailed model of the Grumman Bearcat fighter plane.
To see all the aircraft search: KRINGLE AC
Image map dimensions are powers of two (i.e. 128, 256, 512, 1024).
The prop is a separate object so it can be animated. The landing gear is a separate object that can be hidden so it looks like they are retracted.
There are two included prop versions, one static prop and one spinning opacity mapped prop.
All smoothing information, ambient, diffuse, specular, and specular highlight material properties are included in both formats.
3ds:
Number of Vertices: 6912
Polygon Count: 10840
Obj:
Number of Vertices: 6347
Polygon Count: 5817
History:
In many ways, the Grumman F8F Bearcat was the pinnacle of United States piston-engine fighter design. The aircraft arrived within the waning months of World War 2, missing combat action in all theaters altogether, but still managed to leave a legacy of power and performance even with the advent of the jet age. Its powerful Double Wasp radial piston engine and thoughtful design made for an excellent aircraft and one is left to his/his imagination as to the impact such a fighter would have had would it have shown up in time for combat in history's greatest airborne confrontations.
The F8F Bearcat became Grumman's last piston-engine fighter and its faster piston-powered product. Notable Bearcat pilots included Grumman test pilot Corky Meyer and future astronaut Neil Armstrong (the Bearcat reportedly being the latter's favorite aircraft to fly).
By July of 1955, the last Reserve squadrons had replaced their Bearcats with jet fighters. During 1956, the last F8F-2s were stricken from the Navy inventory and transferred to storage facilities. The fantastic little Bearcat was now only a fond memory in the Navy – a victim of the advancing technology of the jet age.
