Boeing F4B-4

Boeing · United States · first flew 1931 · fighter

The Boeing F4B-4 was the final and most refined production variant of the F4B biplane fighter family, serving as the US Navy's premier carrier-based fighter in the early 1930s. It was also exported widely and served the US Army as the P-12E.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Single-seat Navy biplane with Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial
• Narrow-chord Townend ring cowl around engine
• Headrest fairing behind open cockpit

Distinguished from earlier F4B variants by its wider engine ring cowl, headrest fairing behind the pilot, and slightly enlarged vertical tail; the compact biplane layout with spatted wheels is characteristic.

Specifications

• The Boeing F4B-4 has a length of 6.12 m (20 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9.14 m (30 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 302 km/h (188 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The F4B-4 entered service in 1932 as the culmination of the F4B series, featuring an improved Pratt & Whitney R-1340-16 Wasp engine, a wider-chord cowling, and a distinctive headrest fairing. A total of 92 were built for the Navy along with export variants for Brazil and other customers.

Variants

The F4B series ran from F4B-1 to F4B-4; the Army equivalent was the P-12 series. Export versions were sold to Brazil, China, and Thailand under the Model 100 designation.

Where you'll see it

The F4B-4 equipped US Navy and Marine Corps fighter squadrons aboard carriers and at shore bases from 1932 until replaced by the Grumman F3F in the mid-1930s.

Related aircraft

• Boeing F4B-2
• Boeing P-12E
• Boeing Monomail
• Boeing P-26 Peashooter
• Aero A.46
• Arado Ar 65
• Curtiss A-8 Shrike
• Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk

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