F9F-8T Cougar being restored for Static Display

[Rob W]

Good luck with the project. I know that the Kalamazoo Air Zoo has an immaculate TF-9J on display in the museum. It's done up in VT-25 markings. The restoration folks are pretty helpful there from what I've heard.

Cheers,
Rob

[OldPirate]

What's the latest on this project? I live in Owens Cross Roads and am willing to donate some $$ and time.

[TheBeave]

Jim,

The latest update on F9F-8t / TF-9J (BuNo 147418) that is currently located at the Huntsville Veteran's Museum, Huntsville, AL.

The aircraft has been permanently loaned to the newest high school in Madison, AL - James Clemens High School Jets. It will be restored and become the official mascot of the school. Once restored to static display, plans are to mount the acft in flight on a pedestal in front of the school.

We have had a couple of meetings about the project and would love to have others on board. PM me for more information and to become involved. You can email me also, rbeavers2003@yahoo.com.

Randy Beavers
"The Beave"

[marcooti]

Hi! I flew this exact F9 during training on Dec 7, 1971 as a student Naval Aviator at Navy Chase Field in Beeville Texas. It was a night round robin instrument flight. I was attached to VT 25. I think I was one of the last students to fly an F9 Cougar before they transitioned to A4's. I went on to fly the F4 in VF 102 Diamondbacks from 72-75. Great airplane. Ed Marcotte 303 321 6091

[OldPirate]

I was at the museum a couple weeks ago and notice that the airplane was still there. I thought it had already been moved to a hangar out by the airport. Let me know when the next meeting is.

[Chris Brame]

Randy, would it be OK to pass along your photo of 147418 to Nathan Decker at millionmonkeytheater.com for his new F9F Cougar page? He doesn't have a photo of it yet.

Here's the page: http://www.millionmonkeytheater.com/F9FCougar.html

Thanks to the other posters for adding past info on this plane. Bit of trivia: it's the 12th from the last Cougar built and apparently the latest-built survivor. It was listed as SOC at Pensacola on October 2, 1973.

[TheBeave]

Chris,

Sorry for the late reply. Absolutely it is okay to have your friend post the information to the website!! Great work he is doing over there!

Give him my regards.

Randy

"The Beave"

[Autumnleafct]

Aircraft was at the Mississippi Machinery Museum in Petal MS from at least 1983 to 1989. Aircraft was transferred to Camp Shelby in the 1990's.Trying to upload a few pictures.