'Rare Bear' by junge1
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
'Rare Bear' is a modified Grumman F8F 'Bear Cat'. It competes in the 'Unlimited' class at the National Championship Air Races held annually at Stead, Reno, Nevada. 'Rare Bear' has won the event several times and is billed as 'The fastest propeller driven aircraft in the World'. On Monday, August 21, 1989 it averaged 528.33mph over a 3km long course in four attempts.
During the Gold Heat on 16 September 2011 when the P-51 'Galloping Ghost' crashed 'Rare Bear' was just ahead in third position.
Some of the modifications are:
Standard Bear Cat
Weight: 9000lbs.
Wing Span: 35-ft.
Flaps: Yes
Engine: P&W R-2800
Max HP: 2400
RPM: 2800
'Rare Bear'
Weight: 8500-lbs.
Wing Span: 30.5-ft.
Flaps: No
Engine: Wright R-3350
Max HP: 4000+
RPM: 2900+
Propeller: Modified P-3 'Orion' Ham-Std - 3 blades
This picture was taken in the pit area at Reno on 14 September 2003,
Sig..

Comments (22)
Awesome capture of this beautiful airplane!!
Great shot and info. 528.33mph....that's fast!
Excellent capture!
Excellent capture Sig!!
Brilliant image, of a thoroughbread racer, hard to believe it's a Warbird at heart...I think a certain 'Rob' will love this...
great shot and interesting to
Rob does! lol Amazing how close you got to these beasts to get these great shots Sig!! Wonderful! Have to ask? Did you get one of the Galloping Ghost, before she flew the last time? Top work here... Rob
Cool shot. That crash was horrific.
gorgeous capture
Excellent capture! :)
Shining shot.
Very beautiful plane Great information as well
Excellent shot! :)
this is super cool
Beautiful plane and Great info sig.
I've always said it: real arplanes got propellors on 'em. Jets? Pbbbtt!
Excellent capture!
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
Cool airplane and great shot- thanks for sharing! :)
this has got to be the most beautifully detailed performance plane I have seen.your capture shows the quality
This is in great shape and a great shot. I hate to admit that this plane is most likely my age. Dana
Sharp looking racer Bearcat!