GRUMMAN F-11A TIGER

Begun as a supersonic variant of the F9F Cougar the Tiger quickly evolved into an entirely new design with its own designation, F11F. The Tiger showed great early promise as a fighter, but the rapid advancement of aviation technology in the 1950s resulted in the plane's obsolescence even before it entered service. Tigers served in front line squadrons for only four years before it was replaced by the F-8 Crusader. Tigers continued in use in training and testing programs and with the Blue Angels for several years. The last two flying Tigers were used in a program to test an inflight thrust reverser and made the last Tiger flights in 1975.

Specifications

Wingspan: 31 ft 7 in
Length: 46 ft 11 in
Height: 13 ft 3 in
Weight: 21,280 lbs
Max. Speed: 753 mph
Service Ceiling: 41,900 ft
Range: 1,275 miles
Engines: 1 Wright J65-W-18 turbojet with 10,500 pounds of thrust
Crew: 1