Douglas XFD-1
Douglas · United States · first flew 1933 · fighter
The Douglas XFD-1 was a US Navy carrier-based single-seat biplane fighter prototype of 1933, one of several competitors evaluated for fleet fighter contracts in the early 1930s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- 1933 US Navy single-seat biplane fighter prototype
- Single Wright radial engine in nose
- Unusual gull-wing arrangement to improve pilot view over nose
A compact biplane fighter with an inverted gull or bent upper wing, single radial engine, spatted fixed undercarriage, and the open cockpit typical of early 1930s US Navy fighters.
Specifications
- The Douglas XFD-1 has a length of 7.72 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 328 km/h (204 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Douglas built the XFD-1 in 1933 to compete for a US Navy fighter contract. The aircraft was a biplane with a single radial engine and featured a gull-wing upper wing to improve the pilot's forward visibility. The XFD-1 did not win the production contract, which went to the Grumman F2F.
Variants
A single XFD-1 prototype was built; no production followed.
Where you'll see it
The XFD-1 was an evaluation prototype only and did not enter service.
Related aircraft
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