Centennial of Naval Aviation Fly-In Sponsored by Honeywell

Centennial of Naval Aviation Fly-In   

World War II-era Navy fighters arrive at Museum Sept. 24  

SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2011--Representing two of the ultimate piston-powered U.S. Naval aircraft, a Grumman F7F Tigercat and a Grumman F8F Bearcat will arrive at Boeing Field for aerial demonstrations in front of The Museum of Flight between 10 and 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 (weather permitting). Based at the Historic Flight Foundation at Paine Field in Everett, the classic planes will make multiple passes by the Museum followed by static display in the Museum's parking lot until 4:30 p.m. The pilots will be stationed by the aircraft for autographs and visitor questions. This event is free.

F7F Tigercat

The Grumman F7F Tigercat was the the U. S. Navy's first twin-engine fighter, and it outperformed all existing fighters. The Tigercat could reach speeds of 450 mph. While the plane was delivered to Marine combat units in 1944, it never saw World War II service. The plane's fighter capabilities did see some use during the Korean War.

F8F Bearcat

While the F8F just missed active duty in World War II, it served the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for training and front-line duty. It flew in the Korean War and played bomber and escort roles for France, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Photo: The Historic Flight Foundation's Grumman Bearcat (foreground) and Tigercat. Photo courtesy of the Historic Flight Foundation.  

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The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the William E. Boeing Red Barn^® -- the original manufacturing facility of the Boeing Co. The Airpark includes outdoor displays with the first jet Air Force One, a Concorde airliner, and the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet. The Museum aeronautical library and archival holdings are the largest on the West Coast. The Education Office offers weekend family programs, programs for students and educators, and overnight camps for children. McCormick & Schmick's Wings Café is on site.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for active military, $9 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit

www.museumofflight.org