However, although the -2P and -5P have very different noses, most published pictures and illustrations that are identified as being of -2Ps are actually -5Ps.
The -2P was a depot-level kludge to convert a fighter for the photo-reconnaissance mission. (The F2H-2P was a few months away from operational use and a jet photo-reconnaissance capability was needed in Korea.) The existing nose cone was modified by blocking off the gun ports and adding a flush clear panel in its upper left side. The armament was removed and replaced with a platform for an oblique camera. The nose cone slid forward for access to this camera.
The gun sight was removed and replaced with a camera control panel.
On at least some F9F-2Ps, a camera window was also added on the underside of the nose cone for a downward facing camera,
The nose cone had to be removed for access to this camera.
The F9F-5P, on the other hand, was a bespoke photo-reconnaissance jet procured from Grumman. It had a 12-inch longer nose. Only the front part slid forward. The aft section was accessed by a sideward-hinged door.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yHU4AYVS7yN0nQlGi5w9VLi624U8BMzoDs6TvEiEqgijZmUXnC5aTdhBSuJ5_VzIKXBTPwt1aMSusIqKSSyiaaX2CDh2NVVzRxMjOOpaIhzm6A7UxcLGrA4KUjy3dafAP1ReLY_FDqA/s640/F9F-5P+Hood+Open.jpg)
The F9F-5P had a flat-panel windows on each side of the nose and two downward-facing windows under the nose. There were various combinations of cameras that could be installed.
The pilot was provided with a large viewfinder in lieu of the gun sight to be able to accurately position the airplane for pictures of the terrain and objects of interest directly below it. There was a small clear panel for the periscope aft of the downward facing windows. There was also one just forward of them in the sliding section for a small movie camera.
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