 The Navy acquired the prototype as XF2B-1, which was capable of reaching speeds of , and was sufficiently impressed to order 32 F2B-1s.In addition to omission of the large streamlined spinner cap, the production versions also had a balanced rudder.Delivery began on January 20, 1928, with some assigned to fighter squadron VF-1B and others to bomber squadron VF-2B, both operating from the carrier .