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Author
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Topic: Falcon Models' 1:72 Grumman F11F-1 (Astronauts)
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cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 08-06-2013 11:02 AM
   
Is this model (Flying Mule), and consequently Fighter Squadron, space-related in any way? If so, how? Falcon Models Wings of Fame FA728003
Grumman F11F-1 Tiger Diecast Model
USN VF-33 Astronauts, AF205, USS Intrepid, 1959 |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-06-2013 11:18 AM
From Wikipedia: In 1958 VF-33 transitioned to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger and was renamed "Astronauts." |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 08-06-2013 12:07 PM
I did see that on Wikipedia but the question remains: why (astronauts)? |
onesmallstep
Member Posts: 1310
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 08-06-2013 01:47 PM
There is no connection to NASA for that squadron name, other than perhaps coming right after NASA being formed (and before the Mercury 7 being chosen in 1959), the pilots chose that particular name. It was fitting, because the Tiger was the Navy's first supersonic carrier aircraft. There was an F11F-1 painted in VF-33 colors bearing the name 'Astronauts' on display for many years on the flight deck of the USS Intrepid museum (where VF-33 flew off for several years), now berthed in New York's Hudson River. It now has been repainted in Blue Angels markings. Sadly, the Tiger's frontline career lasted a short four(!) years. Ironically, it served longer with the Blue Angels, eleven years (I saw them at an airshow in 1968, their last year with the jet). There IS an astronaut connection to VF-33, though, post-F11F-1s: Future MOL and NASA astronaut Dick Truly's first assignment was flying F-8 Crusaders off the Intrepid, and later the Enterprise, as part of the squadron, now back to its old name of 'Tarsiers.' Many of his mementos from his Navy and NASA days are now in the collection of the Intrepid. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 08-06-2013 03:33 PM
Thanks for the info. The Intrepid was the only connection I could make with astronauts, only if you look into retrospect. I was wondering if any pilots (or candidates) applying for MOL, MISS, X-15 or Mercury actually flew on this plane and/or the Intrepid. |
onesmallstep
Member Posts: 1310
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 08-06-2013 04:41 PM
The only (future) astronaut I could find that flew this type of plane was Alan Shepard, while assigned to Patuxent River NAS in Maryland. | |
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