Brewster B-339-23 F2A-3

02/08/2026. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "On 21 January 1941, the USN placed an order for 108 fighters under the designation B-339-23 F2A-3 which were to follow on completion of the final export B-339s, the purpose of the order being primarily that of keeping the Brewster assembly line occupied.

Using an airframe essentially similar to that of the export models, with increased fuel-tankage, lengthened forward fuselage and a Wright R-1820-40 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engine similar to that of the F2A-2, but set forward 9 in (22,86 cm) for center of gravity reasons, producing 1,200 hp for take off and 900 hp at 14,000 ft (4,267 m). The F2A-3 embodied some armor and retained the quartet of 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Colt guns.

The F2A-3s were delivered to the USN between July and December 1941, but the higher loaded weight by comparison with earlier USN models adversely affected the performance and the type saw relatively brief service with the USN and the USMC, production of the Brewster fighter terminating in March 1942.

The photo shows pilot Lieutenant-Commander Joseph C. Clifton, pictured during a training flight."