In 1938, the US Navy requested a single engine high speed fighter capable of carrying 4 guns and small bombs. It was first tested with a 1,805 horsepower engine which propelled it up to 405 miles per hour. On its first flights there were many problems, including engine failure, over speeding, and control failure. When it was first used in combat, the 4 machine guns that it was given were insufficient, and it was given 6 machine guns. | In 1938, the US Navy requested a single engine high speed fighter capable of carrying 4 guns and small bombs. It was first tested with a 1,805 horsepower engine which propelled it up to 405 miles per hour. On its first flights there were many problems, including engine failure, over speeding, and control failure. When it was first used in combat, the 4 machine guns that it was given were insufficient, and it was given 6 machine guns. |