Grumman's first jet fighter design began somewhat unconventionally, largely because early jet engine development under Navy sponsorship made a false start. One of the engines under development and available to Grumman designers in the closing days of the war was the 1,500 lb st. Westinghouse 130. and in order to obtain the required performance four of these engines were considered necessary in the original Grumman design, which was for a night fighter. A contract for this design, designated XF9F-1, was issued on April 22, 1946, but as the design progressed, doubts arose about the method of installing the four engines in the wings.

The F9F-2 Panther Jet:
This was the first jet product from the Grumman 'Iron Works" and a healthy successor to the Hellcat and Bearcat. Used by both the U.S. Navy and the Marines, it saw action in Korea, scoring the odd kill. The later Cougar introduced an upgraded engine and swept wings.

More Information

Great links to Panther info:
www.aircraft-list.com