Grumman F3F-2 Naval Biplane

The Grumman F3F-2, the last American biplane fighter aircraft delivered to the United States Navy, is an emblem of 1930s aviation prowess. Serving as a bridge between the era of wood-and-fabric biplanes and the dawn of the all-metal monoplane fighters of World War II, the F3F-2 was a marvel of its time. Produced between 1936 and 1939, it boasted improved performance over its predecessors, thanks to its more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-1535 Twin Wasp Junior radial engine. With its distinctive retractable landing gear and a top speed of over 250 mph, it was a significant step forward in naval aviation. The F3F-2 was not just a workhorse; it captured the imagination of the public and served as a symbol of American ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of aerial superiority. Its legacy is preserved in several airworthy examples, thrilling crowds at airshows with its agility and the unmistakable sound of its radial engine.