F8F Bearcat

What is it about World War II aircraft that fascinates me?

Is it their design, look, flight and weapons capabilities or the nostalgia of seeing such aircraft in flight? Yes, to all of those.

Schiffer Books’ Legends Of Warfare Aviation F8F Bearcat Grumman’s Late War Dogfighter by writer David Doyle fulfills all of my nostalgic needs.

Practically bulging with black and white and color archival photos the book also offers full-color, up-close modern photos of the aircraft along with illustrations, charts, photo descriptions and enlightening text.

The Bearcat was introduced late in the war as a carrier-borne dogfighter designed to be used in the Pacific Theater.

While the aircraft was designed, tested and produced in small numbers there is no indication that it ever took part in actual warfare.

Eventually it did see combat in some smaller conflicts after WWII. But, with the Jet Age just around the corner the feisty, maneuverable and deadly Bearcat was soon phased out.

Still, it was an impressive aircraft and as shown in this small hardbound book it could have proved highly successful if introduced earlier in the war.

Look for plenty production, flight deck and interior and exterior photos of this dogfighter that never got to show its teeth.

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.