Mystery up-gunned Brewster F2 Buffalo

[JDK]

Found this pic while browsing the NASA website:



Website details:

Date: 10.01.1940
Title: Brewster XF2A-2 Buffalo
Description: Brewster XF2A-2 Buffalo: The Navy's Brewster XF2A-2 Buffalo benefited from Langley's experience in drag reduction. After initial testing at Langley, it was returned to Brewster in June, 1940, and is seen here in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel following its return to NACA hands in October 1940.
ID: EL-2002-00619
Other ID: L24843

http://nix.ksc.nasa.gov/info?id=EL-2002-00619&orgid=1

But it looks like a shot of a (presumably trial) four gun wing to me, which I'd never heard of, and I can't imagine would've been much good - weight and spread of fire.

(There's a high res version linked or downloadable at the address above)

Anyone got any details?

[John Dupre]

I took a quick look at a website that has some pdfs of USN F2A-1 and -2 histories. It appears that the BuNo in the picture is 0451 but the -1 and -2 numbers are in the 13XX and 14XX range. If it is the original XF2A would it have had a number different in series from the production ones?

[Dan K]

I took a quick look at a website that has some pdfs of USN F2A-1 and -2 histories. It appears that the BuNo in the picture is 0451 but the -1 and -2 numbers are in the 13XX and 14XX range. If it is the original XF2A would it have had a number different in series from the production ones?

Yes, Serial # for the XF2A-1 was 0451. The same bird was modified as XF2A-2 in spring of 1939.

Last edited by Dan K on Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Dan K]

Some video of earlier tests:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpst_iOlhzU

[Dan K]

While searching for an answer to James' initial query, I discovered this up-gunned F2A-3. Might a brace of 20MM cannon (or a 4-gun wing) have altered the Buff's career?

At least it gives the modellers a few, new options!

[tom d. friedman]

interesting question. i doubt the chubby bugger could hardly handle the the beefed up ordinance size wise let alone weight wise in regard to performance.

[gemmer]

While searching for an answer to James' initial query, I discovered this up-gunned F2A-3. Might a brace of 20MM cannon (or a 4-gun wing) have altered the Buff's career?

At least it gives the modellers a few, new options!

Not for the better. It was overweight already.

Duane