It's an FM-2 not a F4F... both are Wildcats like the Avenger was both the TBF & TBM The FM-2 had a longer vertical stab and an exhaust notch in the fuse... The FM-2 had a more powerful engine and was lighter than the F4F with the deletion of a pair of machine guns and the reserve tank among other things. However, the FM-2 flew a much different mission than the F4F, designed as a low level fighter in an anti-submarine role the FM-2 suffered in high altitude performance vs the F4F
F4F has been regarded as weaker than japanese zero.
But actual kill to loss relation was approx 3:1.
F4F was stronger than Zero. Especialy battle over solomon, japanese pilots from ravaul, the base of japanese navy, flew approx 1000km one way from there to gadalcanal every day. It wasted their life every day.
@TonyMcDark The Wildcat was one of the best fighters in its prime. "I would still assess the Wildcat as the outstanding naval fighter of the early years of World War II ... I can vouch as a matter of personal experience, this Grumman fighter was one of the finest shipboard aeroplanes ever created."
—Eric M. Brown, British test pilot
It was outclassed by the Zero but could take much more punishment. New tactics were developed because of its perfomance and those tactics are used even today.
Lovely old aeroplane and historically very important.........but it does sound a little like an old truck........
mig25pd 1 month ago in playlist Aviation
@mig25pd I love the sound of an old engine... Including old trucks :D
I think they sound more hunan in a way... Engines today sound so artificial and boring
IonicRipper01 1 month ago
It's an FM-2 not a F4F... both are Wildcats like the Avenger was both the TBF & TBM The FM-2 had a longer vertical stab and an exhaust notch in the fuse... The FM-2 had a more powerful engine and was lighter than the F4F with the deletion of a pair of machine guns and the reserve tank among other things. However, the FM-2 flew a much different mission than the F4F, designed as a low level fighter in an anti-submarine role the FM-2 suffered in high altitude performance vs the F4F
queenofyeay 3 months ago
There are two for sale on Trade A Plane. One for 600k that needs restored and the other for just over a million that's flyable.
Auggie56 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
F4F has been regarded as weaker than japanese zero.
But actual kill to loss relation was approx 3:1.
F4F was stronger than Zero. Especialy battle over solomon, japanese pilots from ravaul, the base of japanese navy, flew approx 1000km one way from there to gadalcanal every day. It wasted their life every day.
nobbytakechanman 6 months ago
In the hands of the right pilot the F4f put up a good fight vs zero. Wildcat flew and fought whole Pacific campaign.
CaptnDave69u 6 months ago
what a beauty!!
Phantom3234 8 months ago
Well F4F wild cat wasent such a good fighter plane.....its original disign was a biplain!
BUT(there is a big but) it gave base to some of the most fearsome fighters of WWII like the hellcat or the crossar(<-sorry i dunno how to spel it).
It is still a good plane but doesent worth any nuts.
TonyMcDark 9 months ago
@TonyMcDark The Wildcat was one of the best fighters in its prime. "I would still assess the Wildcat as the outstanding naval fighter of the early years of World War II ... I can vouch as a matter of personal experience, this Grumman fighter was one of the finest shipboard aeroplanes ever created."
—Eric M. Brown, British test pilot
It was outclassed by the Zero but could take much more punishment. New tactics were developed because of its perfomance and those tactics are used even today.
mondo78 5 months ago
i would seriously give both of my nuts to have one
zevans1325 10 months ago
i would seriously give my left nut to own one of these
GIANTWARTITAN 11 months ago 2