Grumman F4F Wildcat
Technical Information

Background
Designed and built by Grumman Corporation in Bethpage, New York. This stubby but rugged little plane was the main fighter for the U.S. Navy during the hard-fought first year of the war, and served from the beginning to end of the Pacific war. During air combat at Coral Sea, Midway, and the Solomon Islands, it fought with distinction, despite claims that it was no match for the A6M2 Zero, it held its own.  The Wildcat's ability to absorb damage, armor plating for pilot protection brought its pilots home.

Also an excellent land based fighter, which became the main fighter of the USMC, its bent wings are its distinct feature. It was faster, had better acceleration and could out climb and dive and of the mid-war Japanese planes. While it was replaced by the F6F Hellcat in most Navy fighter squadrons during 1943, the Wildcat continued to be used from jeep carriers until end of the Pacific War.

FM Wildcat
Built by General Motors (Eastern Aircraft Division) and this version was known as the FM-1 Wildcat and FM-2 Wildcat.

Production
A total of 7,860 Wildcats were built.

Technical Details
Crew  One (Pilot)
Engine   Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 double-row radial engine, 1,200 hp (900 kW) driving three bladed propeller
Span  38'
Length  25' 7"
Height  9' 21"
Maximum Speed   318 mph
Range  910 miles
Armament  2 × 100 lb bombs and/or 2 × 58 gal drop tanks