UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman

UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman Navy F Last update: 1 August 2015

F = Fairchild Canada (1942-1945) SBF Fairchild (Canada) Helldiver span: 49'9", 15.16 m length: 36'8", 11.18 m engines: 1 Wright R-2600-8 max. speed: 273 mph, 439 km/h (Source: San Diego Air and Space Museum) The Curtiss Helldiver was built in licence by Fairchild in Canada. The SBF-1 version was similar to the SB2C-1 and 50 were ordered in 1942 with serials 31636/31685. One of these was used as the XSBF-1 for testing purposes. After the SBF-2 designation had not been assigned, the SBF-3 version was similar to the SB2C-3, fitted with a R-2600-20 engine. 150 were ordered with serials 31686/31835. Whilst the SBF-4 designation was not assigned, the SBF-4E designation applied to aircraft similar to the SB2C-4E and 100 were ordered with serials 31836/31935. Refer also to A-25, SB2C, SBW

F = Fokker (1922) TF Fokker T-III span: 65'8", 20.02 m length: 41'3", 12.57 m engines: 1 Liberty 12A max. speed: 93 mph, 150 km/h (Source: US Navy) Three aircraft were ordered with designation FT-1 and serials A-6008/6010. They were evaluated only. A-6010 was later redesignated as FT-2.

F = Grumman (1931-1962) AF Grumman G82 Guardian span: 60'8", 18.49 m length: 43'4", 13.21 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-48W max. speed: 317 mph, 510 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Guardian was a dedicated anti-submarine aircraft working in hunter/killer pairs. In May 1948 the sole XTB3F-1S was redesignated as XAF-1. It carried serial 90506 and remained in use until January 1951. The span of the aircraft was 60', 18.29 m, length 43'5", 13.23 m and it had a R-2800-46W engine. Its first flight was in November 1948. Production version known as AF-1, AF-1S and AF-1W were ordered but completed as AF-2S and AF-2W. The AF-2S designation was originally assigned to what was to become the AF-3S but was eventually used for the XTB3F-2S 90505 which was redesignated in May 1948 and flew for the first time on 12 January 1949. 175 examples of the production AF-2S were built with serials 123088, 123090, 123092, 123094, 123096, 123098, 123100, 123102, 123104, 123106, 123108, 123110, 123112, 123114, 123116, 124188, 124190, 124192, 124194, 124196, 124198, 124200, 124202, 124204, 124206, 124208, 124778/124848 (even numbers only), 126720/126737, 126756/126821 and 129196/129242. The first flight was on 17 November 1949 and in operational life these aircraft worked in tandem with the AF-2W. The AF-2S was fitted with torpedoes and depth charges. The AF-2W were fitted with a search radar. Originally this designation was applied to what was to become the AF-3W. 156 AF- 2Ws were built, with serials 123089, 123091, 123093, 123095, 123097, 123099, 123101, 123103, 123105, 123107, 123109, 123111, 123113, 123115, 123117, 124187, 124189, 124191, 124193, 124195, 124197, 124199, 124201, 124203, 124205, 124207, 124209, 124210, 124779/124849 (odd numbers only), 126738/126755, 126822/126835 and 129258/12999. The AF-3S, originally designated as AF-2S, was fitted with updated electronics and 40 were built with serials 129243/129257 and 130364/130388. 25 examples of the AF-3W, originally designated as AF-2W, were built with serials 130389/130404. Refer also to TB3F

A2F Grumman G128 Intruder span: 53', 16.15 m length: 54'7", 16.64 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6 max. speed: 685 mph, 1102 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Intruder was a twin engined attack aircraft. Following the placing of an order in March 1959, eight YA2F-1 prototypes were built with serials 147864/147867 and 148615/148618. A batch with serials 148619/148626 was cancelled. The first flight took place on 19 April 1960 and on 18 September 1962 the aircraft were redesignated as YA-6A. The A2F-1 was the first production version and 73 were ordered with serials 149475/149486, 149935/149958 and 151558/151594 before the designation was changed to A-6A on 18 September 1962. In total 484 A-6As were built and they were fitted with J52-P-8 engines. A single YA2F-1Q electronic version was converted from a A2F-1 and carried serial 149935. This version had a length of 55'6", 16.94 and was redesignated as YEA-6A on 18 September 1962. The production version of this, A2F-1Q, was ordered with serials 151595/151600 but these aircraft were redesignated as EA-6A before completion. A batch of A2F-1Qs with serials 151601/151612 was cancelled. The designation A2F-1H had also been applied to what became the EA-6A. Development began in March 1962 and no aircraft were ordered with the A2F-1H designation. Refer also to A-6

FF Grumman span: 34'6", 10.52 m length: 24'6", 7.47 m engines: 1 Wright R-1820-E max. speed: 195 mph, 314 km/h (Source: US Navy) Designated as G-2 by Grumman, a single aircraft was ordered as XFF-1 on 6 March 1931 and made its first flight on 29 December 1931. The serial was A-8878 and later the aircraft was fitted with a R-1820-F engine and used to test concepts to reduce the visibility of aircraft in flight by lowering the contrast of the shadows of the aircraft by installing lights. The tests were inconclusive. The production model FF-1 was known as G-5 by Grumman and was fitted with a R-1820-78 engine. 27 were ordered with serials 9350/9376 on 19 December 1932. In March 1936 22 FF-1s were modified by NAF with dual controls and, as FF-2, they remained in use until 1942 as trainers. Refer also to SF, SBF

F2F Grumman G-8 span: 28'6", 8.69 m length: 23'3", 7.09 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1535-72 max. speed: 231 mph, 372 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Grumman G-8 was a single seat fighter fitted with a watertight hull based on the BuAer design 120. One XF2F-1 was ordered on 2 November 1932 with serial 9342 and flew for the first time on 18 October 1933. The prototype was fitted with a XR-1535-44 engine. Following this an order for 54 F2F-1 aircraft was placed on 17 May 1934 with serials 9623/9676. In addition a 55th aircraft was built with serial 9997 to replace an aircraft lost on a delivery flight.

F3F Grumman span: 32', 9.75 m length: 23'2", 7.06 m engines: 1 Wright R-1820-22 max. speed: 255 mph, 410 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Grumman G-11 was a single seat fighter. On 15 October 1934 a single XF3F-1 prototype was ordered with serial 9727 but in total three aircraft were built, all with the same serial and construction number. The first flight was on 20 March 1935 but this aircraft was lost on 22 March 1935. The second aircraft flew on 9 May 1935 and was destroyed on 13 May 1935, whereas the third example flew on 20 June 1935 following which it was delivered to the US Navy. The XF3F-1 had a length of 23', 7.01 m and was fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1535-84 engine. The production model, also known as G-19, was the F3F-1 and 54 aircraft were ordered with serials 0211/0264 on 24 August 1935. They were fitted with a R-1535-84 engine. The prototype XF3F-2 flew for the first time on 27 July 1936. It carried the serial 0452 and had a Wright XR-1820-22 engine. It was later converted to F3F-1 standards. The production version was the F3F-2 of which 81 were ordered on 23 March 1937 with serials 0967/1047. A civil aircraft (N46110) was also built. This aircraft, which was at one time the USAAF s UC-103, was subsequently displayed as a F3F-2. In May 1938 a single F3F-2 (1031) was fitted with different equipment and flew as XF3F-3. 27 examples of the production version F3F-3 were ordered on 21 June 1938 with serials 1444/1470. The XF3F-3 was later further modified with a different cowling and windscreen and was redesignated XF3F-4 in October 1938. Refer also to C-103

F4F Grumman Wildcat span: 38', 11.58 m length: 28'9", 8.76 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 max. speed: 331 mph, 533 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Wildcat was a single seat ship-borne fighter of which 1971 were built by Grumman and an additional 5927 by General Motors as FM. A number were also directly supplied to the RAF and France under the initial name of Martlet. The XF4F-1 designation was applied to the Grumman G-16 biplane aircraft which had a span of 27', 8.23 m, length of 23'3", 7.09 m, 1 Wright XR-1670-2 or Pratt & Whitney XR-1535-92 engine. It was ordered on 2 March 1936 but was abandoned in favour of the XF4F-2 on 28 July 1936. The XF4F-2 was the G-18 monoplane with a span of 34', 10.36 m, length of 26'5", 8.05 m and a Pratt & Whitney R-1830-66 engine. It was ordered on 28 July 1936 with serial 0383 and made its first flight on 2 September 1937. After having been damaged on 11 April 1938 it was converted as XF4F-3 although, as model 36, it was better considered as a new aircraft. The XF4F-3 had a span of 38', 11.58 m, length of 28', 8.53 m and a Pratt & Whitney XR-1830-76 engine. It was ordered in October 1938, still using serial 0383, and made its first flight on 12 February 1939. The F4F-3 production model was ordered on 8 August 1939 with serials 1844/1897, 2512/2538, 3856/3874, 3970/4057 and 12230/12329. The first flight was on 20 August 1940 and 263 were built. The F4F-3A was a version with a supercharged R-1830-90 engine and 95 were built with serials 3875/3969. Of these 30 were delivered to the UK as Martlet III. Several F4F-3s were converted in 1942 as F4F-3P reconnaissance aircraft. Serials included 1848, 1852, 1856, 1865, 1867, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1875, 1880, 1894, 2512, 2517, 2520, 2524, 2526, 2530 and 2537. The F4F-3S was float plane conversion using F4F-3 4038, which flew as such on 28 February 1943. It was also intended that serials 12230/12329 were to be of this standard but they were completed as F4F-3 landplanes. The XF4F-4 was a F4F-3 (1897) fitted with a hydraulic wing folding mechanism. It flew for the first time on 14 April 1941. The F4F-4 production version, fitted with a R-1830-66 engine and a manual wing folding mechanism, flew for the first time on 7 November 1941. They were built with serials 4058/4098, 5030/5262, 01991/02152, 03385/03544 and 11655/12229. The F4F-4A was a projected version with a supercharged R-1830-90 engine but which was not built. The F4F-4B designation was applied to 220 lend-lease Wildcat Vs supplied to the UK with serials FN100/FN319. No US Navy serials (if any) are known. The F4F-4K designation was assigned to aircraft converted as target drones, whilst the F4F-4P was assigned to a single F4F-4 (03386) converted as a photoreconnaissance aircraft. The XF4F-5 version had a length of 28'10", 8.79 m, and a Wright R-1820-40 engine. Two F4F-3s with serials 1846 and 1847 were converted to this standard. Later they were fitted with R-1820-54 and R-1820-48 engines. The XF4F-6 was similar to the XF4F-5 but had a Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90 engine. One aircraft was built with serial 7031 and flew on 11 October 1940. The designation F4F-6 was initially assigned to what became the F4F-3A. The F4F-7 designation was used for the model 52 unarmed long range reconnaissance version. 21 were built with serials 5263/5283 whilst a batch with serials 12230/12329 was cancelled. The first flight took place on 30 December 1941 and the aircraft had a length of 29'10", 9.09 m and R-1830-86 engines. They were later converted to F4F-3 standards. The XF4F-8 designation was used for two F4F-4s converted with a R-1820-56 engine and a length of 28'11", 8.81m to operate from small escort carries. They carried serials 12228/12229 and the first flight was on 8 November 1942. Refer also to FM, F2M

F5F Grumman G-34 Skyrocket span: 42', 12.80 m length: 28'9", 8.76 m engines: 2 Wright XR-1820-40/42 max. speed: 383 mph, 616 km/h (Source: US Navy) The G-34 was a twin engined fighter ordered as XF5F-1 on 30 June 1938. With serial 1442, it flew for the first time on 1 April 1940 and was used as a development aircraft for the F7F but more in a negative sense as 'how not to do it'. The aircraft was later modified with a longer nose, extending beyond the wing leading edge. It eventually crashed on 11 December 1944.

F6F Grumman G-50 Hellcat span: 42'10", 13.06 m length: 33'4", 10.16 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 max. speed: 375 mph, 603 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Hellcat was a single seat shipborne fighter of which 12275 were built. The XF6F-1 was a prototype of which 2 were ordered on 30 June 1941 with serials 02981/02982. They had Wright R-2600-10 engines. The book Grumman Aircraft since 1929 states that the first aircraft flew as such on 26 June 1942 but other and older reference sources state that both aircraft were completed as XF6F-4 and XF6F-3 respectively. The XF6F-2 was a projected version with a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-16 engine. Originally one of the XF6F-1s was to have been completed like this but became eventually XF6F-3. Also the Wright R-2600-16 was considered. The serial was 02982. The XF6F-2 designation was in 1944 also used for F6F-3 66244. The XF6F-3 was the production prototype and two aircraft were built with serials 02981/02982 using the airframes of the XF6F-1 although it is claimed the serials were switched. The first flight took place on 30 July 1942 although some reference sources state 26 June 1942. The production version was the F6F-3 and 4403 were built with serials 04775/04958, 08798/09047, 25721/26195, 39999/43137 and 65890/66244. The first flight was on 4 October 1942 and 252 went to the Royal Navy as Gannet Mk.I. The F6F-3E designation was applied to 18 F6F-3s fitted with a radar pod, whilst a single F6F-3F was a F6F-3 converted with a different powerplant. A number of F6F-3s were converted as F6F-3K drones to collect air samples during nuclear tests. Serials included 41436. After a single F6F-3 was converted as the XF6F-3N prototype, a further 205 F6F-3s were converted as F6F-3N. Also a number of F6F-3s were converted as F6F-3P photoreconnaissance aircraft. One of the XF6F-3s (02981) was converted as the XF6F-4 prototype with a R-2800-27 engine and flew for the first time on 3 October 1942. The production version F6F-4 was not built. The F6F-5 was the next production version with a length of 33'7", 10.24 m. The first flight was on 5 April 1944 and 6341 were built with serials 58000/58999, 69992/71462, 77259/80258 and 93652/94521 whilst production of 94522/94751 and 111349/111748 was cancelled. 930 were supplied to the Royal Navy as Hellcat II. In addition F6F-3 42355 was converted as F6F-5. Conversions included F6F-5D, F6F-5E, F6F-5K (including 71934, 72230, 72233, 72358, 72512, 72663, 72731, 72765, 72926, 72974, 77283, 77430, 77505, 77573, 77655, 77677, 77685, 77688, 77722, 77887, 77910, 77912, 77963, 78158, 78188, 78761, 79004, 79279, 79863, 79874, 80141, 94263 and 94473), F6F-5P (including 77611, 77632 and 80148), F6F-5KX and F6F-5N (including 58605, 77460, 78598, 79057, 79558, 93679, 94338 and 94473). In addition the F6F-5N version was built outright with 1529 examples with serials 71463/72991. A batch with serials 108226/109272 was cancelled. Finally two F6F-5s (70188, 70913) were converted as XF6F-6 with a R-2800-18W engine. The first flight was on 6 July 1944. Refer also to FV

F7F Grumman G-51 Tigercat span: 51'6", 15.70 m length: 45'5", 13.84 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22W max. speed: 427 mph, 687 km/h (Source: Jacques Trempe, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #2912) The Tigercat was a two-seat shipborne fighter although it was mainly used from land based airfields. Two XF7F-1 prototypes were ordered with serials 03549/03550 on 30 June 1941. They were fitted with R-2800-27 engines and the first flight took place on 3 November 1943. The initial production version was the F7F-1 and 34 were built with serials 80259/80260 and 80262/80293. Several may have been converted as F7F-1N. A single aircraft was built as the prototype for the night fighter version. Designated as XF7F-2 it had serial 80261. The F7F-2N was the first production version of which 64 were built with serials 80294/80358. Several were converted as F7F-2D target drones (including 80335). Two F7F-2Ns had been converted from F7F-1s 80287 and 80293 and were tested by the Royal Navy with serials TT346 and TT349. At least the first aircraft flew with the US markings combined with the British serial. The F7F-3 version had a length of 45'4", 13.82 m and R-2800-34W engines. 190 were built with serials 80359/80548 whilst aircraft with serials 69740/69989, 80621/80758 and 116729/117728 were cancelled. A number of F7F-3s were converted as F7F-3E (including 80375, 80445 and 80487), as F7F-3P (including 80391 and 80448) and, in 1946, as F7F-3K (80411). In addition 60 F7F-3Ns were built with serials 80549/80608. The F7F-4N version had a length of 46'10", 14.27 m and R-2800-34W engines. 13 were built with serials 80548 and 80609/80620. 80548 has also been referred to as XF7F-4N. The F7F-5 version, with R-2800-30W engines, was not built.

F8F Grumman G-58 Bearcat span: 35'10", 10.92 m length: 28'3", 8.61 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34 max. speed: 424 mph, 682 km/h (Source: Jacques Trempe, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #2908) The Bearcat was a shipboard fighter of which 1263 were built and 5253 cancelled at the end of the war. Two prototypes with the designation XF8F-1 and serials 90460/90461 were ordered on 27 November 1943 and the first flight was made on 31 August 1944. They were fitted with R-2800-22W engines. The F8F-1 was the first production version which was first ordered on 6 October 1944. The first flight was on 6 January 1945 and the F8F-1 was built with serials 90437/90459, 94752/94802, 94804/94971, 94973/94981, 94983/94986, 94988/94998, 95000/95001, 95003/95008, 95010/95014, 95016/95021, 95023/95027, 95029/95032, 95035/95038, 95040/95043, 95045/95049, 95051/95055, 95057/95061, 95063/95067, 95069/95073, 95075/95079, 95081/95085, 95087/95092, 95094/95097, 95099/95102, 95104/95107, 95109/95112, 95114/95117, 95119/95122, 95124/95127, 95129/95132, 95134/95137, 95139, 95141/95142, 95144/95147, 95149, 95151/95155, 95157/95160, 95163/95165, 95167/95170, 95173/95175, 95177/95180, 95183/95189, 95192/95194, 95196/95197, 95199, 95201/95204, 95207/95209, 95211/95213, 95216/95220, 95223/95226, 95228/95229 95231, 95233/95236, 95238/95241, 95243/95246, 95248/95252, 95254/95259, 95261/95264, 95266/95270, 95272/95274, 95276/95280, 95282/95284, 95286/95289, 95291/95294, 95296/95299, 95301/95304, 95306/95309, 95311/95314, 95316/95318, 95320/95323, 95325/95333, 95335/95339, 95341/95343, 95345/95348, 95350/95353, 95355/95358, 95360/95362, 95364/95367, 95369/95372, 95374/95377, 95379/95382, 95384/95386, 95388/95390, 95392/95395, 95397/95400, 95402/95405, 95407/95410, 95412/95415, 95417/95419, 95421/95424, 95426/95429, 95431/95434, 95436/95439, 95441/95444, 95446/95449, 95451/95453, 95455/95458, 95460/95462, 95464/95467, 95469/95471, 95473/95476, 95478/95481, 95483/95486, 95488/95491 and 95493/95497. Production of aircraft with serials 95499/96751, 100001/102000 and 112529/114528 was cancelled. 126 were built fitted with a cannon and designated F8F-1B. The serials were 94803, 94813, 94830, 94835, 94836, 94897, 94956, 94972, 94982, 94987, 94993, 94999, 95002, 95009, 95015, 95022, 95028, 95033, 95039, 95044, 95050, 95055, 95056, 95062, 95068, 95074, 95076, 95080, 95086, 95093, 95098, 95103, 95108, 95113, 95114, 95118, 95123, 95128, 95133, 95138, 95143, 95145, 95148, 95156, 95162, 95166, 95172, 95176, 95181, 95190, 95195, 95200, 95203, 95205, 95210, 95215, 95221, 95227, 95229, 95232, 95237, 95239, 95242, 95247, 95253, 95260, 95265, 95271, 95275, 95281, 95285, 95290, 95295, 95300, 95305, 95310, 95315, 95319, 95324, 95334, 95340, 95344, 95344, 95354, 95359, 95363, 95368, 95373, 95378, 95379, 95383, 95387, 95391, 95396, 95401, 95405, 95406, 95411, 95416, 95420, 95425, 95430, 95435, 95440, 95445, 95450, 95453, 95454, 95459, 95461, 95463, 95468, 95472, 95477, 95482, 95487, 95492, 95498, 121463/121522 and 122087/122152. In June 1945 a few F8F-1 with serials 94803, 94987 and 95205 were fitted with a cannon as F8F-1C. The F8F-1D designation applied to a number of F8F-1s converted as target drones. Serials included 90446, 90456, 94752, 95325, 95342 and 95438. The designation F8F-1DB was not a US Navy designation but was applied by the French Navy for the Bearcats it operated. F8F-1 90445 was in 1945 fitted with a radar and was redesignated as F8F-1E, whilst 38 F8F-1s were converted as F8F-1N night fighters. Of these 94812 and 94819 were also known as XF8F-1N. Other serials included 95034, 95140, 95150, 95161, 95171, 95182, 95191, 95198, 95206, 95214, 95222 and 95230. The F8F-1P designation was applied to F8F-1 90441 which in 1946 was converted with cameras. Two F8F-1s, with serial 95049 and 95330 were converted as the XF8F-2s with a larger vertical tail and a R-2800-30W engine. The first flight was on 11 June 1947 and this was followed by the production F8F-2s which had a length of 27'8, 8.43 m and serials 121523/121548, 121551/121574, 121586/121600, 121612/121631, 121638/121657, 121664/121683, 121690/121708, 121715/121733, 121740/121757, 121764/121769, 121776/121784, 121791/121792 and 122614/122708. Of these several were converted as F8F-2D target drones. The F8F-2N version was a night fighters built with serials 121549/121550,

121575/121579 and 121601/121605, whilst the F8F-2P was a photo-reconnaissance version with serials 121580/121585, 121606/121611, 121632/121637, 121658/121663, 121684/121689, 121709/121714, 121734/121739, 121758/121763, 121770/121775 and 121785/121790. In addition F8F-2 121744 was converted as F8F-2P. Refer also to F3M and F4W

F9F Grumman Panther Cougar span: 38', 11.58 m 34'6", 10.52 m length: 37'5", 11.41 m 40'11", 12.47 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8 1 Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8 max. speed: 526 mph, 846 km/h 654 mph, 1052 km/h (Source: US Navy) The F9F designation was first applied to a projected two seat fighter, then to the Panther straight wing design and the Cougar swept wing design, as well as the prototypes of the F11F. The XF9F-1 designation was applied to model 75 tandem two seat fighter design which had a span of 55'6", 16.92 m, length of 50'5", 15.37 m, 4 Westinghouse J30-WE engines. The aircraft was ordered on 22 April 1946 but was cancelled on 9 October 1946, when it was found that performance would be inadequate. The next design was the G-79 Panther of which two prototypes were ordered by the US Navy as XF9F-2 and with serials 122475 and 122477. The first flight was on 21 November 1947. The prototypes had a span of 35'3", 10.74 m, length of 37'8", 11.48 m as well as a Rolls Royce Nene engine. The initial production version was the F9F-2 of which 281 were built with serials 122563, 122567, 122569/122570, 122572, 122586/122589, 123016/123019, 123044/123067, 123077/123086, 123397/123713, 125083/125155 and 127086/127215. Production of aircraft with serials 123087 and 123714/123740 was cancelled. A number of F9F-2s were converted as F9F-2B with six underwing pylons. They include serials 122586, 123044/123064, 123464, 123503, 123559, 123624 and 123668. Other conversions included F9F-2D drones, F9F-2KD drones and F9F-2P reconnaissance aircraft (including 122586 and 123538). The XF9F-3 version was fitted with an Allison J33-A-8 but was otherwise similar to the F9F-2. One aircraft was built with serial 122476 and flew for the first time on 16 August 1948. The production version was F9F-3 of which 54 were built with serials 122560/122562, 122564/122566, 122568, 122571, 122573/122585, 123020/123043 and 123068/123076. All were later converted to F9F-2 standard. A single F9F-2 with serial 123084 was fitted with an Allison J33-A-16 engine and redesignated as XF9F-4. It flew as such for the first time on 5 July 1950. Aircraft 123086 was also converted to XF9F-4 but was used for static tests. Production of 109 F9F-4s with serials 125081, 125156/125227 and 125913/125948 was ordered but eventually they were completed as F9F-5s although some references suggest that 125081 was cancelled. The XF9F-5 was F9F-2 123085 which was fitted a Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6 engine and flew for the first time on 21 December 1949. Production was undertaken as F9F-5 which had a length of 38'10", 11.84 m. The J48-P-8 engine was fitted on several aircraft as an alternative. In addition to the 109 F9F-4s which were completed to this standard, 596 aircraft were built with serials 125080, 125082, 125228/125313, 125414/125443, 125489/125499, 125553/125648, 125893/125912, 125949/126256 and 126627/126669. A batch with serials 125447/125476 was not built. In addition 36 examples of a reconnaissance version known as F9F-5P were built with serials 125314/125321, 126265/126290 and 127471/127472. Conversions included F9F-5K and F9F-5KD target drones (the latter including 126269, 126275 and 126277). Those F9F-5KDs remaining in service after 18 September 1962 were redesignated as DF-9E.

(Source: Johan Visschedijk, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #6249/ The Cougar was a swept wing aircraft known as model 93. Three XF9F-6 prototypes were ordered on 2 March 1951 with serials 126670/126672 and the first flight was on 20 September 1951. Initial production consisted of 646 F9F-6s with serials 126257/126264, 127216/127470, 128055/128294 and 130920/131062. A batch with serials 134245/134433 was cancelled. Conversions included F9F-6D drone directors (127319, 128246, 130930, 139057), F9F-6K (127271, 127341, 128216, 128148, 128169, 128191, 128233, 128237, 128240, 128250, 138263, 130802, 130942, 130958, 130971, 131004 and 131061), F9F-6KX and F9F-6K2 target drones, the latter being upgraded F9F-6Ks. The serials of the F9F-6K2 included 128157, 128216, 128288, 130802 and 131037. The F9F-6P was a photo reconnaissance version of which 60 were built with serials 127473/127492, 128295/128310, 131252/131255 and 134446/134465. Six of these were converted as F9F-6PD target drone directors. Serials of these included 127475 and 128308. The F9F-7 or model 94, was a Cougar version with an Allison J33-A-16A engine and 168 were built with serials 130752/130919. A number of these were converted as F9F-7K target drones, including serials 130783, 130786, 130791, 130805, 130810, 130830, 130842, 130865, 130867, 130872, 130877, 130882, 130905 and 130913. There was at least one F9F-7K2 with serial 130837. The F9F-8 designation was first applied to what became later the F9F-9. The F9F-8 (model 99) Cougar had a span of 34'6", 10.52 m, length of 42'2", 12.85 m and 1 Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8A giving it a max. speed of 647 mph, 1041 km/h. The first aircraft flew on 18 January 1954 and 601 were built with serials 131063/131251, 134234/134244, 138823/138898, 141030/141229, 141648/141666 and 144271/144376. One F9F-8 was converted as the YF9F-8B prototype, followed by the conversion of other F9F-8s to F9F-8B standard. Serials included 131072, 131074, 131076/131078, 131080, 131092, 131097, 131099, 131102, 131104, 131105, 131108, 131111, 131113, 131115, 131121, 131123, 131127, 131129, 131136, 131142, 131143, 131153, 131156, 131160, 131162, 131163, 131165, 131167/151169, 131177, 131179, 131183, 131184, 131187, 131190, 131196, 131198, 131199, 131204, 131210, 131216, 131225/131228, 131231, 131240, 131243, 131244, 134242, 134243, 138824, 138830, 138834, 138837, 138840, 138845/138847, 138852, 138857, 138863, 138871, 138875, 138878, 138879, 138890/138892, 141042, 141044, 141045, 141057, 141060/141063, 141070, 141084, 141096, 141113, 141121, 141132, 141137, 141138, 141145, 141152, 141155, 141156, 141162, 141165, 141204, 141210, 141214, 141216, 141220, 141221, 141224, 141226, 141227, 141229, 144272, 144274, 144277, 144279, 144282, 144286, 144296, 144304, 144308, 144309, 144315, 144320, 144324, 144332, 144342, 144344, 144346, 144350, 144367, 144369 and 144376. The F9F-8P designation was applied to a photo reconnaissance version with a length of 44'9", 13.64 m, of which 110 were built with serials 141668/141727 and 144377/144426. The first flight was on 18 February 1955. The YF9F-8T was a prototype of a trainer version with a length of 44'5", 13.54 m. It had serial 141667 and flew for the first time on 29 February 1956. The production version was the F9F-8T (or model 105) of which 400 were built with serials 142437/142532, 142954/143013, 146342/145425 and 147270/147429. On 18 September 1962 Cougars remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service F9F-6 F-9F F9F-6D DF-9F F9F-6K QF-9F F9F-6K2 QF-9G F9F-6P RF-9F F9F-7 F-9H F9F-8 F-9J YF9F-8B YAF-9J F9F-8B AF-9J F9F-8P RF-9J YF9F-8T YTF-9J F9F-8T TF-9J

(Source: US Navy) The YF9F-9 designation was applied to the Design 98 Tiger which was initially designated as F9F-8. It had a span of 31'8", 9.65 m, length of 44'11", 13.69 m, 1 Wright J65-W-6 and max speed of 753 mph, 1212 km/h. Three prototypes were ordered on 26 April 1953 with serials 138603/138605 and the first flight took place on 30 July 1954 with aircraft 138604 (138603 being a static article). In April 1955 they were redesignated as YF11F-1. A further 40 aircraft were ordered as F9F-9 with serials 138606/138645 of which the first one flew on 15 December 1954. They were redesignated as F11F-1 in April 1955. The F9F-9P designation applied to what became the F11F-1P. Refer also to F-9, F11F

F10F Grumman G-83 Jaguar span: 36'8 to 50'7", 11.17 to 15.42 m length: 54'5", 16.59 m engines: 1 Westinghouse J40-WE-6 max. speed: 581 mph, 935 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Jaguar was a fighter with a variable geometry or swing-wing although initially the design was commenced without variable geometry, a concept which was not introduced into the design until sometime in 1950. On 4 March 1948 14 aircraft were ordered as XF10F-1 with serials 124435/124436 and 128311/128322 but eventually only one aircraft flew on 19 May 1952. Photographic evidence shows aircraft 124435 flying although reference sources (including Grumman Aircraft since 1929 ) state that only 128311 was completed. The second aircraft was 90% completed when the programme was cancelled as a result of difficulties with the flight controls as well as the powerplant. The aircraft made 32 flights up to 25 April 1953. Production of 153 F10F-1s fitted with J40-WE-8 engine, was ordered on 18 August 1950 with serials 131256/131378 and 137216/137245 but was cancelled on 1 April 1953. Similarly eight F10F-1Ps with serials 131379/131386 were cancelled.

F11F Grumman G-98 Tiger span: 31'8", 9.65 m length: 44'11", 13.69 m engines: 1 Wright J65-W-18 max. speed: 743 mph, 1212 km/h (Source: US Navy) Having been conceived as F9F-8 and subsequently redesignated as YF9F-9, the three YF9F-9s were redesignated as YF11F-1 in April 1955. The serials were 138603/138605. The production version was the F11F-1 of which 196 were built with serials 138606/138645 (originally ordered as F9F-9) and 141728/141884. Production of aircraft with serials 141885/141980 and 143232/143366 were cancelled. On 18 September 1962 those remaining in service were redesignated as F-11A. Two aircraft with serials 138646/138647 were fitted with a General Electric J79-GE-3A engine as F11F-1F and flew for the first time on 25 May 1956. Originally designated as F11F-2, they were redesignated as F-11B on 18 September 1962. The designation XF11F-2 has also been mentioned for these aircraft. The F11F-1P designation applied to 85 photoreconnaissance versions of the F11F-1 with serials 140379/140413, 141981/142009 and 143367/143387. The design was commenced as F9F-9P and eventually production was cancelled. A F11F-1T training version was never developed. Refer also to F9F, F-11

F12F Grumman 118 Super Tiger span: 43'11", 13.39 m length: 57'7", 17.55 m engines: 2 General Electric J79-GE-207 + auxiliary rockets max. speed: Mach 2 (Source: Grumman) An all weather development of the F11F design, two aircraft were ordered as XF12F-1 in 1956 with serials 143401/143402 but were subsequently cancelled. Other references have associated the designation with the model 98J Super Tiger and this is partially supported by the fact that the serials are too low for a 1956 order. Grumman also proposed a single engined version with 1 Pratt & Whitney J75, as model 118A.

JF Grumman G-7 Duck span: 39', 11.89 m length: 33', 10.06 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-62 max. speed: 164 mph, 264 km/h (Source: Grumman) The model G-7 was a single engined amphibian aircraft used as a general utility aircraft with a crew of 3 and two passengers. One example of the Duck was ordered by the US Navy as XJF-1 and with serial 9218 and flew for the first time on 24 April 1933. It had a different tail configuration than the production version and had a length of 32'7', 9.93 m. The JF-1 was the production version of which 27 were built with serials 9434/9455 and 9523/9527. The Coast Guard procured 14 model 9 Ducks as JF-2. These were fitted with a Wright R-1820-102 engine and carried serials 161/175 which became later V135/148. Several were later transferred to the Navy and USMC with serials 0266, 00371/00372 and 01647. The JF-3 designation was applicable to the model 10 Duck with a Wright R-1820-80 engine. Five were ordered for reserve units with serials 9835/9839. Refer also to OA-12, J2F, JL

J2F Grumman G-15 Duck span: 39', 11.89 m length: 34', 10.36 m engines: 1 Wright R-1820-20 max. speed: 188 mph, 302 km/h (Source: US Navy) The J2F-1 was the first version of which 29 were built with serials 0162/0190. The first flight was on 25 June 1935. The first aircraft (0162) was later fitted with experimental flaps and was redesignated as J2F-1A. The J2F-2 version was fitted with R-1820-30 engines and was destined for the USMC which ordered 30 examples with serials 0780/0794 and 1195/1209. In 1936 nine J2F-2s were converted to J2F-2As. They carried serials 1198/1206 and were used for patrols in the Carribean. The J2F-3 was used by overseas naval attaches and 20 were ordered with serials 1568/1587. They were fitted with a R-1820-36 engine. The J2F-4 version was specialised for target towing and other utility duties. 32 were built with serials 1639/1670. The J2F-5 was the first major production version fitted with a R-1820-50 engine. 144 were built with serials 00659/00802. The final version, J2F-6, was built by Columbia. Fitted with a R-1820-54 engine, 330 were built with serials 32637/32786, 33535/33614 and 36935/37034. Further contracts were cancelled. Refer also to OA-12, JF, JL

J3F Grumman G-26 Goose span: 49', 14.94 m length: 38'6", 11.73 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-6 max. speed: 201 mph, 323 km/h (Source: National Archives) The Goose was an eight seater amphibian aircraft whch flew for the first time on 29 May 1937. In 1938 the US Navy procured one aircraft as XJ3F-1 with serial 1384 for evaluation. Production was undertaken as JRF. Refer also to OA-9, OA-13, JRF

J4F Grumman G-44 Widgeon span: 40', 12.19 m length: 31'1", 9.47 m engines: 2 Ranger L-440-5 max. speed: 150 mph, 241 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) The Widgeon was a five seater amphibian which flew for the first time on 28 June 1940. The USCG ordered 25 J4F-1s with serials V197/221. The US Navy ordered 131 J4F-2s (model G-46) and impressed another four aircraft. The serials were 09789, 09805/09816, 30151, 32937/32986, 33952/33957, 34585, 37711/37770 and 99074/99077. Batches with serials 50889/51022 and 67807/67831 were cancelled. One J4F-2 with serial 32972, was transferred to NACA in 1947 and was redesignated as XF4J-2. Another J4F-2 (32976) was significantly modified by Edo as a half scale model to test the Martin XP5M-1 hulls. Designated as Edo E-175, it flew for the first time in May 1948 and was also known as the Petulant Porpoise. Refer also to OA-14 Edo E-175 (Source: Jos Heyman)

JRF Grumman G-38 Goose span: 49', 14.94 m length: 38'6", 11.73 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-6 max. speed: 201 mph, 323 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Grumman Goose amphibian flew for the first time 29 May 1937. The US Navy ordered 10 JRF-1s and impressed another two. The serials were 1671/1680, 07004 (NC20620) and 09782 (NC20643). Five of these were completed for photo survey and target towing duties as JRF-1A. Serials were 1671, 1672, 1673, 1678 and 1679. The USCG ordered 7 models G-39 Goose as JRF-2 with serials V174/176 and V184/187. An improved version for the USCG was the JRF-3 of which three were ordered with serials V190/192. The JRF-4 was a version fitted with R-985-50 engines and bomb racks. 10 were built for the US Navy and another three were impressed. The serials were 3846/3855, 09767 (NC2786), 35921 (NC1604) and 99078 (NC20620). Aircraft 35921 was ultimately identified as JRF-5 and older reference sources have, incorrectly suggested that it was later transferred to the USAAF as OA-13B 45-49089. The JRF-5 was the principal production version of which 185 were built. They were fitted with R-985-AN-12 engines. The serials were 6440/6454, 04349/04358, 34060/34094, 37771/37831, 39747/39748, 48229, 84790/84818 and 87720/87751. Aircraft with serials 03713/03742, 50660/50689 and 87752/87762 were cancelled. Several were supplied to Cuba, Canada and Britain. Seven JRF-5s were diverted to the USCG as JRF-5G although only six serials (V224/229) were allocated. The seventh aircraft was most likely 37782 that was flown by the USCG as 7782. In 1962 this particular aircraft was modified by the Bureau of Weapons to test the Gruenberg super-cavitating hydrofoil system. A single hydrofoil was fixed beneath the aircraft and small hydro-skis were attached to slanted attachments projecting beneath the bow, whilst the two blade propellers were replaced by three blade units. Serials 6440, 34079. 34085, 34089, 37776, 37779, 37782, 37788, 37789, 37794, 37800, 37821, 37825, 84792, 84808, 84816, 87725, 87731 and 87733 have also been associated with JRF-5s used by the USCG with the JRF-5G designation. The serials of these aircraft were, at time, reduced to the last four numbers. One JRF-5 (04351) was converted as the Kaman K-16B tilt wing VTOL aircraft, fitted with a tilting 34', 10.36 m and two General Electric T-58-GE-2A. Only tethered tests were conducted before the US Navy terminated the programme that had lasted from 1954 to 1962. Some references suggest that 2 Lycoming T-53-L-2 engines were fitted but this may relate to an unbuilt K-16 version. Older references have also suggested that it was JRF-5 with serials 04353 but that aircraft had been written off in March 1943.

Kaman K-16B (Source: Kaman?) The JRF-6B designation applied to a number of aircraft that had originally been ordered for Great Britain and were transferred to the US Navy in 1945 with the serials 66325/66361. Between July 1952 and June 1953 15 JRF-5s were fitted with new equipment and were redesignated initially as JRF-6X and then as JRF-6. It concerned aircraft with serials 34071, 37771, 37812, 37813, 37820, 37828, 84805, 8487, 84809, 84810, 87720, 87723, 87732, 87745 and 87750. Refer also to OA-9, OA-13, J3F

JR2F Grumman G-64 Pelican span: 80', 24.38 m length: 60'8", 18.49 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-76 max. speed: 255 mph, 410 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) The US Navy ordered two XJR2F-1s with serials 82853/82854 of which the first flew on 24 October 1947. Some reference source\s state three prototypes were built. On completion of testing the two aircraft were redesignated as JR2F-1. Production took place as UF. Whilst the XJR2F-1 were called Pelican all production versions were called Albatross. Refer also to OA-16, U-16, PF, UF

OF Grumman G-134 Mohawk span: 42', 12.80 m length: 41', 12.50 m engines: 2 Lycoming T53-L-3 max. speed: 290 mph, 466 km/h (Source: Grumman) The Mohawk was a twin engined observation aircraft of which the USMC ordered four in March 1957 as YOF-1 with serials 147266/147269. They were subsequently cancelled at which point in time the design had still only a single tail fin. A full scale mock-up had been built and this was transferred to the US Army for the development of the AO-1. The OF-1 designation applied to a proposed production version. Refer also to AO-1, V-1

PF Grumman Albatross span: 80', 24.38 m length: 62'1", 18.92 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-76 max. speed: 200 mph, 322 km/h The PF-1A was the initial designation of the anti-submarine warfare production version of the JR2F. 32 were ordered with serials 124292/124323 but they did no longer meet the requirements of the US Navy and were transferred to the USAF as SA-16A (49-069/100) before the first flight. Refer also to OA-16, U-16, JR2F, UF

SF Grumman G-6 span: 34'6", 10.52 m length: 24'11", 7.59 m engines: 1 Wright R-1820-84 max. speed: 206 mph, 331 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) The G-6 was a scout version of the FF-1 design with the armament removed. One aircraft was ordered on 9 June 1931 as XSF-1 with serial A-8940. It flew for the first time on 20 August 1932 and was fitted with a R-1820-78 engine. The production version was the SF-1 of which 34 were ordered with serials 9460/9493 in August 1933. The XSF-2 version had a length of 24'8", 7.53 m and was fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1535-80 engine. The max. speed was 215 mph, 346 km/h. It was modified from SF-1 9493 and had a more streamlined fuselage. Known as model G-13 the first flight was on 12 March 1934. Refer also to FF, SBF

S2F Grumman G-89 Tracker span: 69'8", 21.23 m length: 42', 12.80 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-82WA max. speed: 287 mph, 462 km/h (Source: Ron Dupas, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #3176) The Tracker was a twin-engined anti-submarine aircraft combining the hunter/killer function in one aircraft. A total of 1281 were built and have also been supplied to Brazil, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan and Argentina. Surplus Trackers were later used as fire fighting aircraft and several have been converted with turbo-prop engines. The US Navy ordered two XS2F-1 prototypes on 30 June 1950 with serials 129137/129138. These aircraft were fitted with R-1820-76WA engines and the first flight was on 4 December 1952. These were followed by 15 pre-production YS2F-1 aircraft which were ordered with serials 129139/129153. The first flight of these was on 30 July 1953. The first production version was the S2F-1 of which 740 were built with serials 133045/133328, 136393/136747, 144696/144731, 147549/147561, 147577, 147636/147645, 148278/148303, 149037/149049 and 149843/149844. Aircraft with USAF serials 59-5919/5921 and 60-3470/3473, which were purchased for foreign air forces, may have been included in the above. A batch with serials 147646/147647 was cancelled. A large number of S2F-1s were converted as training aircraft with designation S2F-1T. Serials included 129140, 129141, 129149, 129150, 129152, 133046, 133053, 133055, 133056, 133059, 133066, 133068, 133074, 133084, 133087, 133090, 133091, 133096, 133099, 133123, 133126, 133132, 133137, 133139, 133141, 133143, 133150, 133155, 133157, 133162, 133168, 133172, 133177, 133190/133193, 133195, 133199, 133201, 133211, 133213, 133217, 133218, 133220, 133223, 133225/133227, 133230, 133234, 133237, 133241, 133242, 133243, 133245, 133246, 133251, 133254, 133258, 133264, 133265, 133267, 133268, 133271, 133273/133278, 133281, 133283/133286, 133295, 133296, 133302, 133305, 133310, 133312, 133316, 133320, 133322/133325, 133227, 133328, 136393, 136399, 136402, 136405, 136408, 136412, 136417, 136425, 136428, 136439, 136440, 136446, 136454, 136455, 136458, 136460, 136461, 136462, 136476, 136479, 136483, 136490, 136493/136497, 136499, 136500, 136507, 136513, 136514, 136517, 136520, 136521, 136525, 136526, 136528, 136530, 136536, 136539, 136541, 136546, 136548, 136554, 136560, 136565, 136574, 136575, 136583, 136589, 136606, 136622, 136626, 136631, 136639/136642, 136645, 136657, 136685, 136686, 136715 and 136726. In addition a number of S2F-1s were converted for utility duties as S2F-1U. Serials included 133045, 133070, 133112, 133118, 133120, 133165, 133187, 133196, 133199, 133229, 133242, 133250, 133252, 133282, 133287, 133292, 133299, 133303, 133306, 136403, 136421, 136422, 136464, 136467, 136473, 136474, 136486, 136491, 136498, 136501, 136504, 136510, 136511, 136527, 136529, 136533, 136544, 136547, 136550, 136567, 136570/136572, 136580, 136582, 136588, 136597, 136600, 136604, 136616, 136618, 136634, 136635, 136664, 136697, 136705, 136708, 136717, 136720, 136747, 144708, 144725 and 144731. 138 S2F-1s were later fitted with new detection equipment and were redesignated as S2F-1S. They included aircraft 136534. Some of these were later further updated as S2F-1S1. Serials included 144704, 144708, 144709, 144715, 144721/144729, 144731, 147549/147553, 147556, 147558, 147560 and 147562. The S2F-2 was an updated version of which 60 were built with serials 133329/133388. Aircraft with serials 140103/140120 were cancelled. The first flight was on 12 July 1954. A number of S2F-2s were converted for reconnaissance duties as S2F-2P (serial 133341) whilst the S2F-2U designation referred to a utility conversion with serials 133330, 133331, 133335, 133338 /133340, 133342/133352, 133355/133360, 133362, 133363, 133366 /133370, 133372, 133373, 133375/133379, 133381/133384 and 133386/133388. The model G-121 or S2F-3 had an enlarged forward fuselage. With a span of 72'7", 22.12 m, length of 43'6", 13.26 m, the first flight took place on 21 May 1959 and 100 were built with serials 147531/147537, 147868/147895, 148717/148752 and 149228/149256. An aircraft with serials 147538 was cancelled. The S2F-3S was a further updated version and 70 were ordered with this designation with serials 149257/149275, 149845/149892 and 150601/150603. Production continued as S-2E. In addition aircraft with serial 136701 was converted to the S2F-3S standard. On 18 September 1962 those Trackers remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service YS2F-1 YS-2A

S2F-1 S-2A S2F-1T TS-2A S2F-1U US-2A S2F-1S S-2B S2F-1S1 S-2F S2F-2 S-2C S2F-2P RS-2C S2F-2U US-2C S2F-3 S-2D S2F-3S S-2E The S2F-4 designation was used for a twin tail derivative of the Tracker known as model 215. It had a span of 72'7", 22.12 m, length of 46'9", 14,24 m, 2 General Electric T64-GE-8 and a max. speed of 346 mph, 557 km/h. Proposed in November 1959, the version was not built. The designations CS2F-1, CS2F-2 and CS2F-3 were used for Canadian built Trackers which were not procured through US sources. In addition Japan assigned the designation S2F-U to a conversion of the S2F-1. Refer also to C-1, E-1, S-2, TF, WF

SBF Grumman 14 span: 31'6", 9.60 m length: 25'9", 7.85 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1535-72 max. speed: 215 mph, 346 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) Based on the SF design, the US Navy ordered one XSBF-1 aircraft in March 1935 with serial 9996 and flew for the first time on 24 December 1935. No production was undertaken. The SBF designation was later used for the Fairchild Canada version of the Curtiss Helldiver. Refer also to FF, SF

TF Grumman G-96 Trader span: 72'7", 22.12 m length: 43'6", 13.26 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-82WA max. speed: 280 mph, 451 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) The Trader was a trainer/transport version of the Grumman Tracker with a widened fuselage with seating for 9. 87 examples of the TF-1 were ordered with serials 136748/136792 and 146016/146057. The first flight was on 19 January 1955. The TF-1Q designation was assigned to four TF-1s converted for ECM duties. Known as model G-125 these had serials 136783, 136785, 136787 and 136788. On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as C-1A (were TF-1) and EC-1A (were TF-1Q). The TF-1W designation was used for the model 117, a projected version which eventually developed into the WF. TF-1 136792 was used as an aerodynamic prototype of the TF-1W with a dummy radome and twin fins. Retaining the TF-1 designation, the radome was later removed and the twin finned aircraft continued to be used as a transport. Refer also to C-1, E-1, S-2, S2F, WF

TBF Grumman G-40 Avenger span: 54'2", 16.51 m length: 40', 12.19 m engines: 1 Wright R-2600-8 max. speed: 271 mph, 436 km/h (Source: Grumman) The Avenger was a single engined torpedo bomber of which 2290 were built by Grumman and 7546 by General Motors as TBM. Two XTBF-1s were ordered on 8 April 1940 with serials 2539/2540 and the first flight was on 7 August 1940. The TBF-1 was the first production version and 1524 were ordered on 30 December 1940 with serials 00373/00658, 01731/01770, 05877/06491, 23857/24241 and 47438/47637. The TBF-1B designation was applied 402 TBF-1s supplied to the Royal Navy as Avenger I. The TBF-1C was an advanced version of which some were built outright with serials 24242/24520 and 47638/48123 (which had been ordered as TBF-1) whilst others were converted from TBF-1s at a later date. Conversions of the TBF-1C included TBF-1D with a radar radome on the wing, TBF-1E fitted with additional electronics, TBF-1J converted for bad weather and Arctic operations (including 06031) and TBF-1P for photo reconnaissance (including 06307). TBF-1C conversions included TBF-1CD, which were converted to TBF-1D standards, TBF-1CP for photo reconnaissance duties and TBF-1L, fitted with search lights in the bomb bay. The XTBF-2 version was fitted with a XR-2600-10 engine. It was ordered on 30 December 1940 and used a TBF-1 airframe with serial 00393. The first flight was on 1 May 1942. Two TBF-1s (24141 and 24341) were fitted with a R-2600-20 engine as XTBF-3. The first flight was on 20 June 1943. Aircraft 24141 was later used to test a H-1B jet engine which was fitted as an auxiliary engine. The TBF-3 designation was assigned to the production version of the XTBF-3. With a length of 40'11", 12.47m, production was undertaken by General Motors as TBM-3. Refer also to TBM

TB2F Grumman 55 span: 74', 22.56 m length: 51'10", 15.80 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800 max. speed: 338 mph, 544 km/h (Source: Grumman) The XTB2F-1 was a twin engined torpedo bomber of which a mock-up was built in 1944. Development was cancelled on 14 June 1944 before any aircraft were ordered. In older reference sources the model 55 is linked to the XTSF-1 design which, in turn, was a version of the F7F. Since then it has, however, been discovered that the model 55 was a different design commenced two years before the XTSF-1. It is, however, possible that the XTB2F-1 contract was changed to cover the XTSF-1 development, in which case it may be possible that the serials of the latter (84055/84056) may have applied to the XTB2F-1.

TB3F Grumman G-70 Guardian span: 60', 18.29 m length: 43'5", 13.23 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W max. speed: 274 mph, 441 km/h (Source: William T. Larkins) The G-70 was a dedicated anti-submarine aircraft which was to operate in pairs, a hunter and a killer aircraft. Three XTB3F-1s were ordered in February 1945 with serials 90504/90506. Originally they were intended to be fitted with 1 Wright R-3350-26 and 1 Westinghouse J30-WE-20. The first flight, conducted by aircraft 90504 took place on 23 December 1946 but with the R-2800 engine fitted. The programme was cancelled on 24 December 1946 but was re-instated the next month as XTB3F-1S and XTB3F-2S. The XTB3F-1S, which had serial 90506, flew for the first time in November 1948 after it had been redesignated as XAF-1 in May 1948. The third aircraft, 90505, was originally to be completed as XTB3F-2 but became XTB3F-2S. The first flight took place on 12 January 1949, after it had been redesignated as AF-2S in May 1948. Refer also to AF

TSF Grumman 66 span: 59'4", 18.08 m length: 45'10", 13.97 m engines: 2 max. speed: (Source: Lloyd S. Jones) The XTSF-1 was a development of the F7F design. Two aircraft were ordered by the US Navy with serials 84055/84056 on 17 August 1944 but development cancelled in January 1945. Older literature suggests that the XTSF-1 design was associated with the XTB2F-1. Whilst the two designs have no commonality, it may be possible that the XTB2F-1 contract was amended to cover the XTSF-1.

UF Grumman G-64 Albatross span: 80', 24.38 m length: 60'8", 18.49 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-76 max. speed: 270 mph, 434 km/h (Source: USCG) Production of the Grumman Albatross, the prototypes of which were designated XJR2F-1, was undertaken under the UF designation. There is a substantial amount of transfer of aircraft between the various services and individual aircraft may have had multiple serials applied in the various serials systems. The UF-1 was the first production version and 110 were ordered with serials 124374/124379, 131889/131918, 137899/137933, 141261/141288, 142358/142362, 149822/149824 and 149836/149837. The first flight was on 14 December 1949. A number of the UF-1s were diverted to the Coast Guard whilst still on the production line and were completed as UF-1G. It involved aircraft with serials141284/141288 and 142358/142362 which received USCG serials. In addition 28 UF-1s were transferred to the USCG as well as 52 SA-16As from the USAF. The USCG serials include 1240/1243, 1259/1267, 1271/1280, 1288/1294, 1311, and 1313/1317. UF-1L was a winterised triphibious version of which two were built outright with serials 142428/142429 whilst others were converted from UF-1s. In addition 5 UF-1s with serials 131914/131918 were converted as UF-1T trainers. The UF-2 (model 111) version had a larger wing with a span of 96'8", 29.46 m, a length of 62'10", 19.15 m and R-1820-76A engines. 51 UF-1s were rebuilt to this configuration and the first flight was on 13 January 1959. Serials included 131890, 131892, 131904, 131905, 131906, 131911, 131913, 137899, 137900, 137901, 137903, 137904, 137906, 137907, 137908, 137910, 137911, 137912, 137913, 137914, 137915, 137917, 137919, 137920, 137921, 137923, 137924, 137926, 137927, 137928, 137930, 137932, 137933, 141261, 141262, 141263, 141264, 141265, 141266, 141269, 141270, 141271, 141274, 141275, 141277, 141278, 141279, 141280, 141281, 141282 and 141283. In addition 19 aircraft were built outright as UF-2. It is believed they were also known as UF-2S their serials were 146426/146430, 148240/148245, 148324/148329 and 151264/151265. Most of the UF-1Gs were converted to a standard similar to the UF-2, as UF-2G. They were 1240/1243, 1260/1267, 1271/1277, 1279, 1280, 1288/1294, 1311, and 1313/1317. In addition 37 USAF SA-16Bs were transferred to the USCG. On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service UF-1 HU-16C UF-1L LU-16C UF-1T TU-16C UF-2S HU-16D UF-2G HU-16E Refer also to OA-16, U-16, JR2F, PF

WF Grumman G-117 Tracer span: 72'4", 22.05 m length: 45'4", 13.82 m engines: 2 Wright R-1820-82WA max. speed: 253 mph, 408 km/h (Source: Jos Heyman) The Tracer was a early warning aircraft based on the Tracker design. It was fitted with a large radar radome over the fuselage. The XWF-1 designation was assigned to the Grumman model 95. Its dimensions were identical to the Tracker, ie span 69'8", 21.23 m, length 42', 12.80 m. Two aircraft were ordered with serials 133043/133044 but development was cancelled in early 1953. The WF-2 designation was applied to an upgraded development which first flew on 1 March 1957. 88 were built with serials 145957/145961, 146303, 147208/147241, 148123/148146 and 148900/148923. A batch with serials 147242/147262 was cancelled. Those remaining in service on 18 September 1962 were redesignated as E-1B. Refer also to C-1, E-1, S-2, S2F, TF

W2F Grumman G-123 Hawkeye span: 80'7", 24.56 m length: 56'4", 17.17 m engines: 2 Allison T56-A-8 max. speed: 370 mph, 595 km/h (Source: Grumman) The Hawkeye was a carrier borne early warning aircraft. Three aircraft were ordered as W2F-1 in November 1957 and the first flight took place on 21 October 1960. Another 19 were ordered before the designation changed on 18 September 1962 into E-2A, under which designation production continued. The W2F-1 serials were 147263/147265, 148147/148149, 148711/148713, 149817/149819 and 150530/150541. Production of 148714/148716 was cancelled. Refer also to C-2, E-2