Grumman F3F-3
Grumman · United States · first flew 1938 · fighter
The Grumman F3F-3 was the final production variant of the F3F series and the last biplane fighter to serve with the US Navy, remaining in first-line carrier service until 1941. Its rounded fuselage and retractable undercarriage gave it an unusually modern appearance for a biplane.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rotund barrel-fuselage US Navy biplane — last carrier biplane fighter |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Rotund barrel-fuselage US Navy biplane — last carrier biplane fighter
- Wright Cyclone radial in long-chord cowl on a stubby fuselage
- Retractable undercarriage hand-cranked into the lower fuselage
The most rotund fighter ever to serve with the US Navy; the almost spherical fuselage cross-section, short barrel nose housing the radial engine, and hand-cranked retractable gear distinguish it from any other biplane; the equal-span unequal-chord wings fold for carrier stowage.
Specifications
- The Grumman F3F-3 has a length of 7.06 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 426 km/h (265 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The F3F series evolved from the F2F with a lengthened fuselage to cure handling vices, first flying in 1935. The F3F-3 introduced the more powerful Wright R-1820-22 Cyclone and entered service in 1938. Though already obsolescent when delivered, it served aboard USS Saratoga and USS Enterprise until replaced by the Grumman F4F Wildcat. Many transferred to training and utility duties lasting into 1943.
Variants
The F3F family includes the F3F-1 (initial), F3F-2 (Pratt & Whitney engine), and F3F-3 (improved Wright Cyclone); total production across all variants was 164 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Served with the US Navy and Marine Corps from 1936; still in service with some second-line units at the time of Pearl Harbor, transitioning to training roles thereafter.
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- F4F Wildcat
- Grumman G-21 Goose
- Grumman JRF-3 Goose
- Grumman G-44 Widgeon
- Arado Ar 198
- Avia B.35
- Blackburn Roc
- Bloch MB.152 C1
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