https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_F2F
The Grumman F2F was a single-engine, biplane fighter aircraft with retractable
undercarriage, serving as the standard fighter for the United States Navy
between 1936 and 1940. It was designed for both carrier- and land-based
operations.
Grumman's success with the two-seat FF-1, which was significantly faster than
even the single-seat fighters of its time, resulted in a contract for the
single-seat XF2F-1. Armed with two .30 caliber (7.62 mm) machine guns above the
cowl, the new design also incorporated watertight compartments to reduce weight
and improve survivability in the event of a water landing. The prototype first
flew on 18 October 1933, equipped with the experimental 625 hp (466 kW)
XR-1534-44 Twin Wasp Junior radial engine, and reached a top speed of 229 mph
(369 km/h) at 8,400 ft (2,600 m) - 22 mph (35 km/h) faster than the FF-1 at the
same altitude. Maneuverability also proved superior to the earlier two-seat
aircraft.
Role
Naval fighter
Manufacturer
Grumman
Designer
Leroy Grumman
First flight
18 October 1933
Introduction
1935
Retired
1940
Primary user
United States Navy
Produced
1934-1935
Number built
55
Unit cost
$12,000 (as of 1935)
Developed from
Grumman FF
Variants
Grumman F3F
The Navy ordered 54 F2F-1 fighters on 17 May 1934, with the first aircraft
delivered 19 January 1935. An additional aircraft was ordered to replace one
which crashed on 16 March 1935, bringing the total to 55, with the final F2F-1
delivered on 2 August 1935. The F2F-1 had a relatively long service life for the
time, serving in front-line squadrons from 1935 to late 1939, when squadrons
began to receive the F3F-3 as a replacement. By September 1940, the F2F had been
completely replaced in fighter squadrons and was relegated to training and
utility duties.
Specifications (Grumman F2F-1)
General characteristics
Crew: One
Length: 21 ft 5 in (6.53 m)
Wingspan: 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m)
Height: 9 ft 1 in (2.77 m)
Empty weight: 2,691 lb (1,221 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 3,847 lb (1,745 kg)
(522 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 231 mph (201 knots, 372 km/h)
Range: 985 mi (857 nmi, 1,585 km)
Service ceiling: 27,100 ft (8,260 m)
Rate of climb: 2,050 ft/min (10.4 m/s)
Armament
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