The Grumman F9F series of single jet fighters was Grumman’s first production jet aircraft and proved to be solid and reliable. The F9F Panthers served with the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Development of the F9F began in 1945 and had settled on a simple single seat jet powered fighter by August 1946 based around American versions of the Rolls Royce Nene engine.

The first flight occurred in February 1948, carrier trials began in March 1949 and squadron deliveries began in May 1949.

The F9F-4 had a more powerful engine that required its fuselage to be lengthened by 19½ inches to accommodate it and additional fuel and several other changes.

The first F9F-4 flew in July 1950 but due to trouble with that engine only a few were constructed and production moved to the similar but re-engined F9F-5.

This model represents 125939 of VMF-314 in about.1953.

Matchbox 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in August 1982.