Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4F>HA8901

General Background

Early in the Pacific War in WWII the Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft the U.S. had but was out performed by the Japanese Zero. The Wildcat’s folding wings allowed for a greater number of aircraft that could be carried but added extra weight and reduced the aircraft performance. New features such as self-sealing fuel tanks, heavy armor made up for the Wildcat’s lesser performance. By the end of WWII the F4F had flown approximately 15,500 sorties with a kill ratio of 6.9 victories to 1.

The Aircraft

Originally assigned to VMF-221 Marion Eugene Carl scored his first victory on June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway. After rest in Hawaii, Carl was re-assigned to VMF-223 “Bulldogs”. On August 20, 1942 VMF-223 was deployed to Guadalcanal where he was shot down on September 9, 1942 and was missing for 5 days before returning. Marion Carl became the USMC first ace with 3 victories occurring later in September 1942. Carl ended the war with 18.5 victories, the USMC seventh ranking ace.

Specifications :

Total Aircraft Manufactured:	7,860
British Name:	Martlet
Role:	American Carrier-based Fighter
Crew:	1 pilot
Performance
Powerplant:	1 X Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 Double-Row Radial Engine, 1,200 hp (900 kW)
Maximum Speed:	320 mph (290 kn / 515 km/h)
Service Ceiling:	34,000 ft (10,363 m)
Rate of Climb:	2,200 ft/min (11.17 m/s) Normal Power
Range:	830 miles (721 nmi / 1,337 km)
Dimensions
Length:	28 ft 9 in (8.8 m)
Wingspan:	38 ft (11.6 m)
Height:	9 ft 2.5 in (2.8 m)
Weights:
Empty:	5,895 lb (2,674 kg)
Loaded:	7,975 lb (3,617 kg)
Maximum Takeoff:	8,762 lb (3,974 kg)
Armament:
Guns:	6 X .050 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine Guns