Produced in the mid to late 1930s the F3F-1 as well as the 2 and 3 variants belonged to
what probably was the most colorful era in US military aviation history. Grumman took all
the lessons learned from the F2F and incorporated them into the F3F. The Flying Barrel,
as it was commonly called, had a wide fuselage to accommodate the large radial engine
spinning a three-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller. The plane also had improved
retractable landing gear, longer fuselage that improved stability. The last F3F was
retired by the USN in November 1943.

Originally formed in 1927 as Bombing Squadron One on the USS Lexington they
became VF-5 in 1932. The squadron was assigned to the USS Lexington and in March
1936 they received their new Grumman F3F-1. On July 1, 1936 they transferred to the
USS Ranger and still known as VF-5 until 1937 when they assumed the title VF-4 (Red
Rippers).
The willow-green tail signifies the USS Ranger, the color blue signifies the third section,
the solid blue band around the engine cowling signifies the first aircraft in the third
section and the blue band around the fuselage signifies the unit leader of the third
section. The second aircraft in a section would have the top half of the engine cowling
painted and the third aircraft in the 3-plane section would have the lower half of the
cowling painted.

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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