In 1938 the USN ordered an improved version of the F3F-2 because the replacement
monoplane Brewster F2A and F4F Wildcat were delayed in development. To accomplish
this Grumman started to modify the 65th F3F-2 to F3F-3 standards with 26 more aircraft
being produced as F3F-3. The modifications were comprised of an upgraded engine
with a smaller diameter propeller and a modified cowling as well as small flaps and
revised leading edges. The armament wasn’t changed. By the end of 1941 the entire
operational biplane fleet was replaced but 117 were sent to various bases for training
and transportation. The F3F-3 had two distinctions; it was the last of the USN biplanes
as well as being the fastest carrier-borne biplane in the world.

The first F3F-1 was accepted on January 29, 1936. Throughout the 1930’s and early
1940’s military aircraft had some of the brightest and most colorful paint schemes. VF-7
was no different with this aircraft painted in the colors of its Commanding Officer on
board the USS Wasp (CV-7). In September 1939 because of the outbreak of war in
Europe, Neutrality Patrols were formed to seek out and track any war-like actions in
Atlantic. At first aircraft such as the F3F-1 were one of those used for this purpose.
Eventually were joined by 77 destroyers and mine-layers that had been in storage.
Because they were part of a Neutrality Patrol the aircraft also carried additional national
insignias on the forward fuselage. VF-7 was the last Navy Fighter Squadron to be
equipped with the F3F-1.

Specifications for the Grumman F3F-1

Crew – (1) pilot

Performance
Engine – (1) Pratt & Whitney “Twin Wasp Jr.” radial, 650 hp 2,200 rpm @ 7,500 ft
Maximum Speed – 240 mph   (386 km/h)
Cruise Speed – 215 mph   (346 km/h)
Range – 720 miles   (1,159 km)
Service ceiling – 29,000 ft   (8,839m)
ROC - 2,700 ft/min   (823 m/min)

Weight
Maximum - 4,100 lb.   (1,860 kg)
Empty - 2,870 lb.   (1,302 kg)

Dimensions
Length – 23 ft 3 in   (7.07 m)
Wingspan – 32 ft 0 in   (9.75 m)
Height – 9 ft 1 in   (2.75 m)
Wing Area – 260 ft/sq   (24.15 m/sq)

Armament
Left - (1) 0.30 in   (7.62 mm) M1919 Machine Gun – 500 rounds
Right – (1) 0.50 in   (12.7 mm) M2 Machine Gun – 200 rounds
Bombs – (2) 116 lb   (52.6 kg) Mk IV – (1) under each wing

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