Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4B>HA7906

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 Fighter Squadron One was established as VF-1 Tophatters. On July 1, 1927 VF-1 became VF-1B and joined the USS Saratoga CV-3 in January 1928. It wasn't until 1933 when VF-1B received a few Boeing F4B-4 aircraft. In August of that year they are listed as having only three of this variant. On July 1, 1934 VF-1B was once again re-designated this time to VB-2B. In 1949, after several designation changes they finally became VF-14 that still exists today.

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)