What the F2A-3 specifications offered

These figures principally describe the F2A-3, with differences between versions. Moving from the early 950-horsepower installation to a nominal 1,200 horsepower added only about 150 horsepower at 15,000 feet, giving roughly 900 horsepower there. The aircraft was compact enough for naval use at 26 feet 4 inches long and about 12 feet high, with a 35-foot span and 209 square feet of wing area. Its cited empty weight is 4,732 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of 7,159 pounds. The powerplant was a nine-cylinder, air-cooled Wright R-1820-42 Cyclone with a three-bladed propeller. The remaining figures are about 321 mph maximum speed, 161 mph cruise, 839 nautical miles of range, a 33,200-foot service ceiling, and a climb rate of 2,440 feet per minute. The discussion uses this specification set to argue that the Buffalo's basic design was credible for its procurement period.