Sir; how about the Grumman FF, which scored the only "kill" by a Grumman biplane fighter? Also, the first carrier plane with retractable landing gear. Thanks; Ernie P.
The Grumman FF "Fifi" (company designation G-5) was an American biplane fighter aircraft operated by the United States Navy during the 1930s.[2] It was the first carrier aircraft with retractable landing gear.[3] It was produced under licence in Canada and known as the Goblin in Canadian service and Delfin (en
olphin) in Spanish service. The Canadian Car & Foundry Co acquired a manufacturing licence for the G-23, and improved FF-1, of which it completed a total of 52, some of which were assembled from US-built components.
Thirty-four were acquired by the Spanish Republican Government in 1937 by presenting forged Turkish credentials. This batch was built primarily to bypass the US embargo placed on belligerents during the Spanish Civil War.[3] Referred to as the GE-23 Delfin (enolphin) by the Spanish Republican Air Force, the aircraft fought in the conflict, but were outclassed by opposing fighters and losses were high. Despite this, a victory against a Heinkel He 59B would be the only recorded "kill" by a Grumman biplane fighter.[1] Eleven survived to serve in the Ejército del Aire Español, nicknamed Pedro Rico for its rotundity.[1]
General characteristicsPerformanceArmament