The F4F Wildcat
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft available to the US Navy at the beginning of the Pacific Campaign, and US pilots flying the type soon evolved tactics for dealing with the more maneuverable Zero - keeping above the Zero and not attempting to dogfight with it, but diving on it and remaining in the dive to escape. If a dogfight did prove necessary, the Wildcat's sturdy construction afforded the pilot good protection and enabled the aircraft to absorb a great deal of combat damage and still be able to reach the carrier. The squadron flew the F4F-3, F4F-3P, F4F-4 and the F4F-7 from 1941 to 1943.
Basic Stats:
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial, 1,200hp
Armament: Size .5 inch machine guns and two 100 pound bombs
Maximum speed: 328 mph at 21,000 feet
Climb: 2,265 feet per minute
Ceiling: 37,500 feet
Range: 845 miles
Weights empty/loaded: 5,342/8,152 pounds
Span: 38 feet
Length: 28 feet 9 inches
