The F9F-3 was essentially the same as the -2, only with a different engine. The Navy didn't want all its eggs in one basket, and so the Alison-engined -3 was produced in parallel with the Pratt and Whitney-powered -2. In the end, the P&W engine proved to be trouble-free and more powerful, and so many -3s were re-engined, although they retained the -3 designation.

As with the real aircraft, there is nothing here to distinguish Trumpeter's new -3 kit from their previously-released -2 kit aside from the markings. Detailed cockpit, optional folded wings, full ordnance load--it's all still here. Markings are for three aircraft: S/106 and S/103 of VF-51, and M/415 of VF-24.