On display at Pima Air & Space Museum. This Cougar was built as an F9F-8 (G-99) and delivered to the USN on 21 Sep 1955. It changed to a F9F-8B with LABS in 1957 that was re-designated AF-9J. The aircraft was converted to a trainer and the designation changed to TAF-9J. It served with VT-23 "Professionals" at NAS Kingsville that used the type from 1965 for jet training and carrier qualification. The squadron was twice the recipient of the Top Jet Squadron Award in 1967 and 1970. This version led to production of the F9F-8T (G-105) trainer, only Cougar version to serve in the Vietnam War.

Delivered to the US Navy as an F9F-8. Redesignated as an F-9J in 1962. Converted to a TAF-9J. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 1970. To the museum in 1973.

Although the Cougar retained the F9F designation that had been used by the Panther, it was a substantially new design, of which approaching 2,000 of several versions were built. This one started out as an F9F-8 delivered to the USN in September 1955 and after serving two fighter squadrons, was modified in 1957 to F9F-8B to carry nuclear weapons. After serving various attack squadrons, it was redesigned from AF-9J to TAF-9J in 1966 with VT-23 at NAAS Kingsville, TX, in whose marks it remains on display having been withdrawn from service in 1970

Seen on an early evening visit to the museum. Formerly with VT-23. Had originally arrived at MASDC for storage on 23 Apr 1970.

So many well preserved aircraft at the Pima Air Museum.

TAF-9J Cougar latterly operated by VT-23 Squadron as an advanced trainer.