Grumman F-11F Tiger (oz16973)

About this Plan

Grumman F-11F Tiger. Free flight scale model for rubber power. Wingspan 27 in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "GRUMMAN F-11F TIGER

Grumman F11F/F-11 Tiger is a supersonic, single-seat carrier-based fighter aircraft designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Grumman. For a time, it held the world altitude record of 76,939 feet (23,451 m), as well as being the first supersonic fighter to be produced by Grumman.

Work on what would become the Tiger commenced in 1952 as a design study, internally designated G-98, to improve the F9F-6/7 Cougar. However, the design produced had little association with the Cougar by the end of the project. The U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics placed an order for two prototypes, initially designated XF9F-8. On 30 July 1954, the first prototype performed its maiden flight, during which it almost achieved Mach 1; the second prototype became the second U.S. Navy aircraft to exceed the speed of sound. On 21 September 1956, the Tiger became the first jet aircraft to shoot itself down. Originally designated the F11F Tiger in April 1955 under the pre-1962 Navy designation system, the aircraft was redesignated as F-11 Tiger under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. A total of 199 Tigers were produced for the United States Navy, with the last aircraft being delivered to the service on 23 January 1959. –Wikipedia

CONSTRUCTION:

WING:
The wing panels are constructed using the Dave Rees’ sliced rib method. There is a great tutorial on Mike Stuart’s site: https://www.ffscale.co.uk/rees.htm
Just use the wood sizes denoted on the plan.

FUSELAGE:
The fuselage is built using the “Ladder Jig” method. The method is demonstrated by Maxfliart on YouTube link Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUYY1dqfH8

Make your ladder jig and cut out all the fuselage formers from 1/16” balsa sheet. Or you can make the formers out of 3 laminations of 1/32”x1/16” strips of balsa wrapped around the template made from the former outlines on the plans glued to foam board or thick balsa sheet. I’ve used “reed” which can be bought from WalMart and Amazon which come in a large reel enough to last a lifetime almost.

EMPENNAGE:
HZ STAB:
The horizontal stab is made in two panels from 3/32”SQ and sheet balsa.
I encourage you to cover the plans with kitchen plastic wrap to keep the parts from sticking to the plans while you glue them up.
VT STAB:
The vertical stab is constructed using 3/32” sheet balsa for the outline of the stab. Once dry, remove from the board and “build in the air” adding the vt spar of 1/16” balsa by attaching it to the top of the stab. I usually use super glue for this connection. Once dry I start adding the 1/32”x1/8” ribs from the top to the base of the stab, gluing from L.E. to T.E. over the spar.

PROP:
I plan on using a clear prop made from a 2 liter soda bottle. Maxfliart has a great tutorial on building props on YouTube link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUajqbTIARM

You won’t find this at the flying field in anyone else’s box.
Enjoy,
Tom Akery/Sky9pilot"

Update 4/9/2026: Replaced this plan with a revised copy, thanks to TomAkery.

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