the first p-35s were delivered to the 1st pursuit group (27th, 71st and 94th ps) stationed at selfridge field in michigan. the aircraft utilized a wet wing to save weight and ground personnel quickly learned about the persistent fuel leaks. the p-35's performance was poor even by contemporary standards and, although usaac aviators appreciated the aircraft's ruggedness, it was already obsolete by the time deliveries were finished in 1938.