Seeing as no F3A-1s ever saw combat, I'd say they were later models. Most likely B-339Ds or Es or even B-439s... Essentially worse than F2A-3s because of the lesser engines and worse weight
Those export versions were a bane upon all who used them. Brewster was a terrible company.
Basic clip from Wiki:
"The Brewster Model B-339E, as modified and supplied to Great Britain was distinctly inferior in performance to the F2A-2 (Model B-339) from the original order. It had a less powerful (1,000 hp/746 kW) engine compared to the F2A-2's 1,200 hp (895 kW) Cyclone, yet was substantially heavier due to all of the additional modifications (some 900 lb/400 kg). The semi-retractable tail wheel had been exchanged for a larger fixed model, which was also less aerodynamic. Top speed was reduced from 323 mph (520 km/h) to 313 mph (504 km/h) at combat altitudes.
In its original form, the B-339 had a theoretical maximum speed of 323 mph (520 km/h) at a rather unrealistic 21,000 ft (6,400 m), but fuel starvation problems and poor supercharger performance at higher altitudes meant that this figure was never achieved in combat; the B-339E was no different in this regard. Its maneuverability was severely impaired (the aircraft was unable to perform loops), and initial rate of climb was reduced to 2,300 ft/min. The Wright Cyclone 1890-G-105 engine designated for use in the Brewster Mk I was in short supply; many aircraft were fitted with secondhand Wright engines sourced from Douglas DC-3 airliners and rebuilt to G105 or G102A specifications by Wright.[18] In service, some effort was made by at least one Brewster squadron to improve the type's sluggish performance; a few aircraft were lightened by some 1,000 lb (450 kg) by removing armor plate, armored windshields, radios, gun camera, and all other unnecessary equipment, and by replacing all .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns with two .303 in (7.7 mm) cowling guns. The fuselage tanks were filled with a minimum of fuel, and run on high-octane aviation petrol where available. At Alor Star airfield in Malaya, the Japanese captured over 1,000 barrels (160 m3) of high-octane aviation petrol from British forces, which they promptly used in their own fighter aircraft"
Vic Bargh, pilot over Rangoon:
http://www.warbirdforum.com/bargh.htm(very interesting read, must be diary notes)
Also on another interesting note: Dates and numbers produced:
http://www.warbirdforum.com/prod.htmMy words:
In-game the Brewster is arguably more than a match for the A6M2. While the Zero has a slightly tighter turn radius, the Brew dives infinitely better, retains more E for zooming, can instantly set the zero on fire, and had quad .50s. In real life the Brew was almost toothless and almost defenseless. It wasn't a matter of pilot skill as much as the guns would fire 1 burst, the planes lacked much armor, they couldn't hope to turn against japanese planes and the main way to survive was to dive straight down and run from a fight. They encountered far far more nimble Ki-43s and Nates and other planes that put even a A6M2 to shame in turn radius.
it's a bit like putting a Spit5 in for a spit1, IMO. If we're going that route, so be it. It's already decided. I'm just discussing it on the forums for the sake of it.
