Photograph:
Gross JG-2 prototype VH-JLG (c/n 1) taking off at Watts Bridge, QLD (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Two-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 1,000 lbst General Electric J-58-8F turbofan
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.53 m (28 ft )
- Length: 8.22 m (27 ft)
- Wing area: 13.9 m² (150 sq ft)
- Take-off speed: 130 km/h (81 mph)
- Climb speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)
- Stalling speed clean: 130 km/h (81 mph)
- Stalling speed with flaps: 102 km/h (63 mph)
- Range: 333 km (207 miles)
- Fuel capacity: 370 litres (81 Imp gals)
- Loaded weight: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
History:
The Panther was a two-seat experimental jet project that was constructed and developed in Queensland by John Gross. After designing and building the JG-1, a 15 metre sailplane (VH-KYI – c/n GFA/HB/113) he decided to build a 75 per cent scale replica of the Grumman F9F-2 Panther Korean war era United States Navy (USN) carrier-borne jet aircraft. The first successful US Navy jet fighter of the 1950s, the Panther went on to achieve its first ‘kill’ against a Mikoyan & Gurevich MiG 15 on 9 November 1950.
The JG-2 took seven years to design and build and made its first flight in February 2006. It is constructed of fibreglass with a balsa-wood core and some carbon for strength. It was registered VH-JLG (c/n 1) to its designer / builder on 23 November 2005. Engine was a modified General Electric J-58, having a compressor diameter of 25.4 cm (10 in) and weighing 122.4 kg (270 lb). The aircraft was painted silver overall with dark blue markings.
The engine that was installed commenced life as the J-58-8F providing 932 kw (1,250 shp) in the Kaman Seasprite helicopter in US Navy service and when it was decided to replace the engine with a new type many were removed and sold, some being converted to turbojets for aircraft and others being placed in racing boats.
Following a series of 40 test flights the JG-2 was described by the owner as “a safe and forgiving aircraft”. On one occasion was flown from Queensland to Cowra, NSW for a Sports Aircraft Association aviation event, making two fuel stops on the way. At max throttle it used 500 litres (110 Imp gals) of fuel per hour; whereas at 370 km/h (230 mph) at 85 per cent power it used 200 litres (44 Imp gals) per hour.