Grumman F2F

Grumman F2F
A F2F-1 of fighter squadron VF-2B, USS Lexington (CV-2)
Role Naval fighter
Manufacturer Grumman
Designer Leroy Grumman
First flight 31 October 1933
Introduction 1935
Retired 1940
Primary user United States Navy
Produced 1934-1935
Number built 55
Unit cost $12,000 (as of 1935)[1]
Developed from Grumman FF
Variants Grumman F3F

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.

Contents

Design and development

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.[2] 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.[1] 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.[1] Maneuverability also proved superior to the earlier two-seat aircraft.[2]

Operational history

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.[1]

Operators

 United States

Specifications (Grumman F2F-1)

Data from United States Navy Aircraft since 1911 [3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b c d Cacutt 1989, pp. 155–162.
  2. ^ a b Jordan, Corey C. "Grumman's Ascendency: Chapter Two." Planes and Pilots Of World War Two, 2000. Retrieved: 22 July 2011.
  3. ^ Swanborough and Bowers 1976, p. 201.
Bibliography
  • Cacutt, Len, ed. “Grumman Single-Seat Biplane Fighters.” Great Aircraft of the World. London: Marshall Cavendish, 1989. ISBN 1-85435-250-4.
  • Swanborough, Gordon and Peter M. Bowers. United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. London: Putnam, Second edition, 1976. ISBN 0-370-10054-9.
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