Share Stories of Launches and Operations with this Nostalgic Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket

Warplanes proudly brings you yet another product we are deeply proud of: the Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket model airplane. This Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket model is made from only the finest grade of mahogany, worked to a perfect scale copy of the Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket. The design of the wing, the tail and the body of this art piece are carefully carved, mirrored from the actual Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket. Cover it in a detailed, complete paint scheme, that includes squadron name, logos, insignia and distinct markings of the plane, and you get a one of a kind model you can definitely be proud of!

To preserve the Grumman XF5F Sky Rocket's exquisite design, a coat of clear lacquer is finally applied to its entire body. All exquisite works done to our models are enthusiastically performed by our highly skilled craftsmen that are aviation enthusiast themselves. The Sky Rocket Grumman XF5F model plane is mounted on a steel support rod and a wooden- base stand so you can beamingly display this masterpiece anywhere you want. Other optional display accessories are also available, including the pitch wall mount for your model collection allowing it to be placed on the wall and ceiling for an added flying effect.

Ordered as a prototype on June 30, 1938 by the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, the XF5F-1 Skyrocket was of radical concept. It was intended as a twin-engine shipboard fighter, at a time when the first single-engine shipboard fighter monoplanes were only commencing flight tests. Conceived as the G-34 Skyrocket, the XF5F-1 in its initial form had a singular appearance resulting from an abbreviated forward fuselage and the wing leading edge extending ahead of the fighter's nose.

The XF5F-1 flew for the first time on April 1, 1940. Engine cooling problems arose in the initial flights, resulting in modification of the oil cooling ducts. Further modifications were made to the prototype including reduction in the height of the cockpit canopy, revising the armament installation to four 0.5 inch machine guns in place of the cannon, redesign of the engine nacelles, adding spinners to the propellers, and extending the fuselage forward of the wing. These changes were completed on July 15, 1941. Additional changes that were needed after further flight tests were not completed until January 15, 1942.

In the meantime, Grumman began work on a more advanced twin-engine shipboard fighter, the XF7F-1, and further testing with the XF5F-1 supported the development of the newer design. The XF5F-1 continued to be used in various tests, despite being plagued by various landing gear problems, until it was struck from the list of active aircraft after it made a belly landing on December 11, 1944.