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Grumman F11F Tiger facts for kids

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Grumman F11F Tiger
Grumman F11F-1 of VF-191 in flight c1959.jpg
Grumman F11F Tiger of the Squadron VF-191.
Role Shipborn Fighter aircraft
National origin USA.
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 1954
Introduction 1961
Status Retired
Primary user US Navy.
Produced Out of production.
Number built 199

The Grumman F11F Tiger was a cool American jet fighter plane. It was built by a company called Grumman. This speedy jet was mainly used by the US Navy.

One of the most famous groups to fly the Tiger was the Blue Angels. They are the US Navy's flight demonstration team. After September 1962, the plane got a new, shorter name: the F-11 Tiger. No other countries bought this specific jet.

What Was the F-11 Tiger Used For?

The F-11 Tiger was designed to be a fast and agile fighter jet. It could take off and land on aircraft carriers. This made it very useful for the US Navy. Its main job was to protect the fleet and engage enemy aircraft.

Flying from Aircraft Carriers

Planes like the F-11 Tiger are special. They have strong landing gear and hooks. These help them land safely on a moving ship. Taking off from a carrier also needs a powerful launch system. The Tiger was built to handle these tough conditions at sea.

The Blue Angels' Favorite Jet

The Blue Angels are famous for their amazing air shows. They flew the F11F Tiger for many years. From 1957 to 1969, the Tiger was their main display aircraft. Its sleek design and speed made it perfect for their daring stunts. Seeing the Blue Angels fly the Tiger was a real treat for crowds.

Why Was It Retired?

The F-11 Tiger was a good plane for its time. However, aircraft technology keeps getting better. Newer, more advanced jets were developed. These new planes had better engines and weapons. Because of this, the F-11 Tiger was eventually retired from service. The last ones were used as trainers.

Images for kids

  • XF11F-1 F9F-9 NAN1-55

    XF9F-9 prototype

  • F11F-1 Tiger on USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in April 1956

    An F11F-1 Tiger on USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in April 1956, with downward-folded wingtips

  • F11F short and long nose at NAS Kingsville

    An early production "short nose" F11F and a later "long nose" from VT-23

  • F11F-1 VF-21 CVA-61 1957

    F11F-1 of VF-21 landing on Ranger in 1957

  • Grumman F-11A 141829 VT-26 DM 22.04.71 edited-2

    F-11A Tiger advanced trainer of VT-26 Squadron wearing the distinctive color scheme used by that variant

  • Grumman F11F VF-33 1959

    VF-33 Tigers from USS Intrepid in 1959

  • F11Fs Blue Angels over Niagara Falls c1957

    The Blue Angels flew the F11F from 1957 to 1969.

  • Ex-blue angels F-11 Tiger at the Pima museum

    Former Blue Angels F-11 Tiger at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona

  • Air Zoo December 2019 132 (Grumman F11F Tiger)

    F11F on display at the Air Zoo

  • Grumman F11F-1 Tiger drawings

    Grumman F11F-1 Tiger drawings

  • F11F-1 VF-33 Pensacola

    F11F-1 of the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Grumman F-11 Tiger para niños

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