HOME      Grumman F3F


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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.


The Grumman F3F concept originated when the U.S. Navy requested a two seat biplane fighter in 1931. This was the beginning of a long relationship between Grumman and the United States Navy.

The prototype aircraft produced by Grumman was an all-metal design that had retractable landing gear. It had a top speed of 195 mph. This was faster than other fighter aircraft currently in U.S. Navy service at the time.

Grumman continued improvements on the original aircraft that resulted in a single seat U.S. Navy fighter. It was more powerful and larger than the original two seat aircraft, and contained numerous aerodynamic improvements as well. The aircraft became the Grumman F3F.

Grumman F3F aircraft were deployed in 1936 aboard the aircraft carriers USS Ranger and USS Saratoga. The United States Marine Corps also employed the fighter and continued their use through October of 1941.

A total of 147 Grumman F3F aircraft of all types were produced.


Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engine:
        Power:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Bombs:
        Machine Guns:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Max. Speed:
        Initial Climb:
        Ceiling:
        Range:
        First Flight:
        Year Deployed:
fighter
one
Wright R1820 radial
950 h.p.
3,300 lbs.
4,800 lbs.
2- 116 lbs. ea.
1- 7.62 mm; 1- 12.7 mm
23' 2"
32' 0"
265 mph
2,800 fpm
33,000 feet
1,000 miles
3/20/35
1936
Radio Control Airplane
Warbird Kits rc Grumman F3F.
Radio Control Airplanes:




The rc Grumman F3F is a terrific radio control airplane subject. Unfortunately it is not modeled very much. We are hoping to see more in the near future.

Pictured above is the rc Grumman F3F radio control airplane for sale from Warbird Kits. The kit will build to a wing span of 32". Flying weight will be between 14 and 20 ounces.

The two pictures immediately below are of the rc Grumman F3F scratch built by Jeff O'Brien. Jeff had yet to choose a color scheme and covered his model in clear coat for its first flights. It has a 32" wing span and a length of 23". It is powered by a Himax 2015-5400 motor geared 5.33:1 spinning a 9 x 7 prop.

RC Modeler has plans for sale of the two seat civilian version of the rc Grumman F3F. It has a wing span of 54" and a length of 48 1/2". Power comes from a .61 two stroke engine. Construction is of balsa and plywood. The plans are under the name "Gulfhawk."

The bottom picture on this page is of a giant scale RC Grumman F3F photographed in Germany. It has a wing span of 130". Power comes from a 200 cc engine.  All up weight is 81 lbs.

aviationtrivia@hotmail.com
Radio Control Airplane
Jeff O'Brien and his rc Grumman F3F.


Radio Control Airplane
A rc Grumman F3F.



Radio Control Airplane
Giant Scale rc Grumman F3F on display.