F3F-2

While the F3F-1 was entering production, the US Navy was already looking ahead. They issued a contract to Grumman to integrate the supercharged Wright R-1820 Cyclone engine onto the F3F airframe. This required a complete redesign from the firewall forward, but the result became the F3F-2. The new engine raised available power to 950 hp, and while it only represented a 25 mph increase in airspeed, it raised the service ceiling to over 30,000 feet! While the F3F never fired a shot in anger, it was responsible for training the generation of pilots that would lead the US into aerial combat against agile foes.

• 75 parts molded in gray and clear plastic
• Finely recessed panel lines
• Pre-formed photo-etched rigging
• Optional tires (weighted and unweighted)
• Protected decals and clear parts
• Detailed instruction booklet