[VC-81_BOLTER]

I have repainted this ship model in the past. I did the USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) for my squadron, VC-81. I can of course change the markings.

F9F Panthers did do testing on board a CVE at the time. Touch and go landings were all they progressed to since it was determined that the landing speeds were too high and insufficient space was available if the last wire was caught and the arrested plane went through the barrier. Any spotted airctaft would have been collided with. The Catapult was workable for the Panther but with no JBD on board the deck would have caught fire.

The idea was so in an emergency a combat damaged F9F could have made an emergency landing on one of the escort carriers off the coast of Korea. They steamed close inshore with Corsairs aboard to provide sir support in a hurry for ground troops. The fleet carriers were farther out with the strike aircraft and were harder to reach from shore in a damaged plane.

I had the photos somewhere of the testing but I can't find them anymore. Sorry...