Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4F>HA8903

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

With the Japanese carriers eliminated in the Pacific some smaller USN escort carriers were redeployed to the Atlantic to help protect convoys from German U-boats that had been exacting a heavy toll. The Bogue, Card, Core and Croatan became Hunter-Killer carriers equipped with Wildcats and Avengers. VC-12 was established on October 6, 1943 at NAS Sand Point, Seattle, Washington and spent the winter of 1943/44 onboard the USS Core. During this period VC-12 logged thirty four engagements. VC-12 was disestablished on June 7, 1945.

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