In 1938 Grumman proposed a naval interceptor with two engines. Such a power plant was a completely new feature for shipboard aircraft, and the G-34 was also revolutionary in its configuration. This located the wing leading edge forward of the fuselage's stubby nose. The layout was completed by a high set cockpit, counter rotating propellers, rearward retracting main units foe the tail wheel landing gear, and a dihedralled tail plane with endplate vertical suffices. The US. Navy order a single XF5F-1 in June 1938, and this first flew in April 1940. The type was extensively tested, and nose was later extended to a point forward of the leading edge. No production was order, but by the time it was retired in December 1944 the plane had contributed to the F7Fs development. The G-46 version with a more conventional fuselage and tricycle landing gear interested the US. Army Air Force which order a single XP-50 prototype. The first flew in May 1941, and reached 424 mph. at 25,000 ft. The type suffered constant problems with its power plant of two R-1820-67/69 radials and was finally written off after the explosion of the turbocharger.