Ridgecrest in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
F11 F-1F "Super Tiger"
Carrier-launched Fighter -- world Record Holder
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
1. F11 F-1F "Super Tiger" Marker
The Grumman F11 F Tiger (later F-1 1 A) was a new-technology, supersonic follow-on to the F9F Cougar/Panther fighters. The Tiger went to the Fleet in 1957 but served actively only until the Spring of 1961; the type remained in training squadrons until 1967. The Navy's flight-demonstration team, the Blue Angels, however, operated F11 Fs from 1957 to 1969.
F11 Fs served at China Lake as advanced Sidewinder and countermeasures test platforms. Some of the last F11 F fuselages were used as targets/test items for weapon-designator and carrier-firefighting programs.
This aircraft (BuNo 138647) is one of two advanced, up-engined F11 F-1 F Super Tigers delivered in 1956; first designated an F11 F-2, this aircraft set the world altitude record of 76,939 feet on 18 April 1958. During the 1970s, this aircraft was on display at the main gate of the Naval Air Facility China Lake. This is the only remaining aircraft of its type.
United States Naval Museum of Armament and Technology
Erected by China Lake Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 35° 37.781′ N, 117°
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, in the Mojave Desert, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: MK IV Special Weapon (within shouting distance of this marker); North American T-39D Sabreliner (within shouting distance of this marker); F-18A Hornet (within shouting distance of this marker); Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); "Siding 16" (approx. 8.2 miles away); Indian Wells (approx. 11.8 miles away).
More about this marker. The China Lake Museum was originally located at nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. It has been moved to this location in town for easier public access, and to allow room for expansion. The museum is located next to the Maturango Museum and is open Tue-Sat 10-4.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
2. F11 F-1F "Super Tiger" and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
