Boeing F2B

The Boeing Model 69, more commonly called the ‘’F2B’’ was a biplane fighter aircraft of the United States Navy in the 1920s.

First flight of the F2B prototype was November 3, 1926.

The Navy acquired the prototype as XF2B-1, which was capable of reaching speeds of 154 mph (248 km/h), and was sufficiently impressed to order 32 F2B-1s.

In addition to omission of the large streamlined spinner cap, the production versions also had a balanced rudder.

Delivery began on January 20, 1928, with some assigned to fighter squadron VF-1B and others to bomber squadron VF-2B, both operating from the carrier Saratoga.

Variants

XF2B-1

Model 69, One prototype.

F2B-1

Model 69, Single seat fighter biplane for the U.S. Navy.

Model 69B

Two aircraft built, generally similar to the F2B-1, one each to Brazil and Japan.

Specifications

Crew

1

Length

22 ft 11 in (6.98 m)

Wingspan

30 ft 1 in (9.17 m)

Height

9 ft 2.25 in (2.81 m)

Wing area

243 sq ft (22.57 m2)

Empty weight

1,989 lb (902 kg)

Max take-off weight

2,805 lb (1,272 kg)

Powerplant

1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-8 Wasp Radial,

425 hp (317 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed

158 mph (254 km/h, 137 kn)

Cruise speed

132 mph (212 km/h, 115 kn)

Range

315 mi (507 km, 274 nmi)

Service ceiling

21,500 ft (6,555 m)

Rate of climb

1,890 ft/min (9.6 m/s)

Armament

Guns

1 × .50 in (12.7 mm) Browning M1921E1

&

1 × .30 in (7.62 mm) forward firing Browning M1918 machine guns

Or

2 × 0.30 in machine guns in the forward fuselage

Bombs

5 × 25 lb (11 kg) bombs carried under the fuselage and lower wing.