Early US Navy pilots liked the Buffalo's turning ability and power-to-weight ratio before armor plate, radios, and other equipment raised its weight. Improved propellers and integral flotation gear were already present by the F2A-2 as the service tried to build survivability into a carrier fighter. Crashes and expanding requirements encouraged attempts to enlarge the aircraft and its wings. The design eventually reached a point where further growth required a redesigned airframe. Brewster's production delays and limited engineering organization left it unable to make that transition.
Chapter · 27:07-28:44
US Navy additions exhausted the Buffalo's growth margin
Armor, radios, flotation gear, and other Navy requirements increased survivability but eroded the maneuverability pilots valued in early Buffalo variants.