19.06.2008, 03:31
INternally, however, there are significant differences:
1) ammo load for wing guns increased from 250 to 400 rpg, fuselage guns remained at 250 rpg.
2) two 20 US gal fuel tanks installed in the wing leading edges- one tp port, one to starboard.
3) 40 US gal fuel tank installed in fuselage below pilot.
4) armour protection increased over that of F2A-2.
All these changes resulted in a plane with a range on internal fuel that would shame a Zero, but increased the weight significantly so that the agile and fast F2A-2 became a slug. Good source for the Buffs is "F2A Buffalo in Action" by Jim Maas. Will start scanning and send you the pics!
1) ammo load for wing guns increased from 250 to 400 rpg, fuselage guns remained at 250 rpg.
2) two 20 US gal fuel tanks installed in the wing leading edges- one tp port, one to starboard.
3) 40 US gal fuel tank installed in fuselage below pilot.
4) armour protection increased over that of F2A-2.
All these changes resulted in a plane with a range on internal fuel that would shame a Zero, but increased the weight significantly so that the agile and fast F2A-2 became a slug. Good source for the Buffs is "F2A Buffalo in Action" by Jim Maas. Will start scanning and send you the pics!