Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4B>HA7907

General Background

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.

The Aircraft

On July 1, 1922 VF-1 High Hatters was established. On July 1, 1927 VF-1 became VF-1B and joined the USS Saratoga CV-3 in January 1928 until November 1934. The High Hatters flew the F4B-3 from January 31, 1932 until March 19, 1932 in the Canal Zone / Caribbean. On July 1, 1934 VF-1B was re-designated VB-2B. In 1949, after several designation changes they finally became VF-14 that still exists today. This aircraft 1-F-1 is the first aircraft of the first section of VF-1B, the Squadron Leader's aircraft.

Specifications :

Total Produced All Variants:	586
First Flight:	June 25, 1928
Role:	Fighter Biplane
Powerplant:	1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1340-16 WASP air-cooled 9 cylinder radial engine, 550 hp (410 kW)
Performance:
Speed:	189 mph (164 kts / 304 km/h)
Service Ceiling:	26,900 ft (8,199 m)
Range:	369 mi (321 nm / 594 km)
Weight:
Empty:	2,355 lb (1,068 kg)
Max Takeoff:	3,611 lb (1,638 kg)
Dimensions:
Length:	20.08 ft (6.12 m)
Height:	9.32 ft (2.84 m)
Wingspan:	29.99 ft (9.14 m)