Grumman Ff

The Grumman FF, even if it is not particularly well known, is important in that it was the start a long dynasty of carrier-based fighters for the USN which included the famous World War II Hellcat, the Panther and Cougar of the Korean War and the F-14 Tomcat of the Cold War era.

It was introduced in 1933, and was Leroy Grumman's first aircraft design for the US Navy. It was a two-seat design, with an enclosed cockpit, metal fuselage and wings covered largely in fabric. It was also the first USN fighter to use retractable landing gear.

The full history of this fighter, of which less than 30 examples were produced, is covered in detail. Though the Grumman's career as a fighter was short, with only one front-line USN unit using it in operation for just three years, it had a much longer career when it was used as a fighter trainer and was not withdrawn from use until 1942.

Each aircraft's history is fully documented and the book includes over 30 photographs and 11 colour profiles. It is exceptional reference for historians and modellers alike.