Hi Simon!
A quick browse through my sources revealed the following first-flight dates for the XTB3F-1 Guardian:
Dec 19, 1946 (“Grumman AF Guardian” , Naval Fighters 20, by Bob Kowalski)
Dec 19, 1946 (“American Combat Planes of the 20th Century” by Ray Wagner, 2004 Edition).
Dec 19, 1945 (“United States Navy Aircraft since 1911” by GordonSwanborough/ Peter M. Bowers)
Dec 19, 1946 (“Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships” Vol V)
Francillon’s “23. December” seems to be the odd one out, and someone obviously got the year wrong. But 1946 shows up more often than 1945.
What sources do you have?
Al
Sign In
