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Grumman

F4F
Wildcat

U.S. MILITARY

Photo: Robert Deering 1981
Valley Airport (HRL)
Harlingen, Texas

Photo: Robert Deering 1986
USS Alabama Museum
Mobile, Alabama

Photo: Robert Deering 10/12/2008
Alliance Airport (AFW)
Fort Worth, Texas

Photo: Robert Deering 4/26/2014
NAS Fort Worth JRB (NFW)
Fort Worth, Texas

Photo: Robert Deering 1972
Greater Southwest Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas

Naval aviation's front line fighter aircraft when the United States entered World War II, the F4F Wildcat contrasted sharply with its primary adversary in the Pacific, the vaunted Japanese Zero. While the former possessed unmatched maneuverability, rate of climb, speed and range, the F4F's strength rested in its ruggedness and firepower. These elements, combined with tactics of mutual defense-most notably the "Thach Weave" developed by Lieutenant Commander John S. Thach, and slashing diving attacks against the Japanese fighter, enabled Wildcat pilots to more than hold their own against their counterparts in the vicious air battles at Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal during 1942.

The Wildcat had its greatest impact in the Pacific, but also served in the European Theater, including support of the landings in North Africa and operations from escort carriers in the continuing battle against German U-boats.

SPECIFICATIONS:	PERFORMANCE:
Span: 38 ft.	Maximum speed: 328 M.P.H at 21,000 ft.
Length: 28 ft. 9 in.	Cruising speed:
Height: 9 ft., 2 ½ in.	Range: 845 miles
Empty Weight: 5,342 lb.	Service ceiling: 37,500 ft.
Gross Weight: 8,152 lb.
Crew: Pilot
Engines: One Pratt & Whitney 1,200 horsepower R-1830-76, -86 engine
Armament: Four fixed forward-firing .50-in. guns and two 100 lb. bombs

SOURCE: National Naval Aviation Museum

Photo: Robert Deering 8/13/2010
Pacific Aviation Museum
Honolulu, Hawaii

Photo: Robert Deering 4/18/2015
National Museum of Naval Aviation
NAS Pensacola (NPA)
Pensacola, Florida