Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4B>HA7908

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

Boeing F4B-3 BuNo. A8911 was the last in a contract of 20 aircraft and given c/n 1615. It was delivered to the U.S. Navy and last served on board the USS Saratoga with VF-1B in 1932 before being transferred to the U.S. Marine Corp becoming the Head Quarters Command aircraft. This aircraft was frequently used to fly VIPs and in 1934 – 35 was used as an air show demonstrator. On February 14, 1939 this aircraft was involved in an accident with no loss of life.

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)