The F8F “Panda” was the last piston carrier fighter produced by Grumman. Development of two XF8F-1 prototypes began in November 1943, and the first flight took place on August 21, 1944. At that time, Grumman again decided to use the most powerful engine , the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 “Twin Hornet” series engine, which was used with the company’s “Hellcat” and “Tigercat” fighters The engine is the same. This time, the engine is housed in an airframe that is as small and lightweight as possible. Sufficient power makes the maneuverability of the aircraft excellent, and the climb rate of this high-speed fighter is 30% higher than that of the “Hellcat”.