F3F-1 GRUMMAN FIGHTER -  VF-3, USS SARATOGA (CV-3)

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Historical Note:    F3F-1 GRUMMAN FIGHTER -  VF-3, USS SARATOGA (CV-3), OCTOBER 1940

Grumman F3F Fighters:
The Grumman F3F was a development of the F2F-1, featuring a longer fuselage and greater wingspan. The prototype XF3F-1  first flew in early 1935. It crashed in May of that year and was replaced with a second prototype, with the same serial number. Fifty-four production F3F-1 fighters  were delivered to the Navy in 1936, initially serving with USS Saratoga (CV-3) and USS Ranger (CV-4) fighting squadrons.
Featuring a more powerful engine for better performance, a larger engine cowling and a different cockpit canopy design, the prototype XF3F-2  began Navy testing in January 1937. Eighty-one F3F-2 models were ordered . These initially equipped two Marine Corps fighting squadrons and that of USS Enterprise (CV-6) during 1938. One of these (Bu# 1031) became the XF3F-3. Twenty-seven F3F-3 fighters  were delivered in 1938-39, serving with Fighting Squadron Five in USS Yorktown (CV-5).
The Grumman F3F served with front-line squadrons until 1940-41. During the first part of World War II, the surviving planes were used for advanced training and in utility roles.

LIMITED EDITION:  2000 PCS. WORLDWIDE

SCALE:    1:48
WING SPAN:    5.75     INCHES
LENGTH:     8.0   INCHES

Item Number: HM-HA7301                                                                                                                                                                 Price: $69.95