Grumman F4F Wildcat

During 1936 the United States Navy required a new carrier-based fighter and ordered a prototype of Brewster's Model 39, which would be developed into the F2A Buffalo, alongside a prototype of Grumman's biplane, designated XF4F-1. However, this was cancelled as another Grumman design, the F3F, was performing at a similar level predicted for the XF4F-1 and Brewster's design was showing good promise.

After this setback, Grumman worked on a monoplane version designated the XF4F-2, and on the 28th July 1936 the United States Navy placed an order for a prototype. Making its maiden flight on the 2nd September 1937, it was powered by the 1,050-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-66 Twin Wasp engine. However, it was the Brewster F2A Buffalo that went into production. The United States Navy, instead of scrapping the aircraft, returned it and further development was ordered.

Fitted with the 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 engine and featuring other changes and designated the XF4F-3, it flew for the first time on the 12th February 1939. These changes were found to have improved the aircraft's performance, and before the test programme had ended a second prototype with further changes had been tested. On the 8th August 1939 the United States Navy ordered 78 production aircraft.

Grumman offered their new aircraft to other nations, with France placing an order. Powered by the 1,200-hp Wright R1820-G205A engine, these were to serve with the French Navy, but due to the fall of France in June 1940 the British Purchasing Commission took over the order and asked for a small increase in the amount of aircraft to be supplied. This aircraft was named by the British as the Martlet Mk I. They began entering service with the Fleet Air Arm in October 1940 when they started to replace the Gloster Sea Gladiators of No. 804 Naval Air Squadron, who would score the types first aerial victory on the 25th December 1940, shooting down a Junkers Ju 88 over Scapa Flow. This meant No. 804 Naval Air Squadron were the first to use a US built fighter serving with the British services to shoot down a German aircraft during the Second World War (1939 - 1945).

The F4F-3, also known as the Martlet Mk II, was the first variant to serve with the United States Navy, with the 20th August 1940 seeing the first United States Navy example fly. Powered by the 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1803-74 engine, its top speed was 328 mph, range 845 miles with a service ceiling of 37,500 ft. Armament was four 0.50-in machine-guns and 200lb bombs. These began to enter service in December 1940. A number of F4F-3As, also known as Martlet Mk IIIs, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90 Twin Wasp engine were also produced.

Development of the aircraft progressed and in May 1941 the prototype XF4F-4 flew, this aircraft benefited from combat experiences of Martlets serving with the Fleet Air Arm. These changes included more armour, self-sealing fuel tanks and folding wings. Powered by the 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 engine, the F4F-4, also known as the Martlet Mk IV, had a top speed of 320 mph, a range of 770 miles and a service ceiling of 34,900 ft. Armament was increased from four to six 0.50-in machine-guns and 200lb bombs. November 1941 saw the F4F-4 begin to enter service. The F4F-4 would also be built by General Motors and these were known as FM-1 Wildcats or Martlet Mk Vs and featured a small number of changes.

The F4F-7 would be the last variant that Grumman would build. Featuring bigger fuel tanks, this aircraft would be used for reconnaissance. Its top speed was 309 mph, range 3,700 miles with a service ceiling of 28,300 ft. No armament was fitted. A pair of XF8F-8 prototypes were also produced. Production of these would be undertaken by General Motors with the aircraft known as the FM-2 Wildcat or Wildcat Mk VI.

It was during the Battle of Wake Island (8th December 1941 - 23rd December 1941) that the F4F would show it was a formidable opponent against the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Despite United States Marine Corps Squadron VMF 211 losing eight aircraft destroyed on the ground, with their remaining four F4F-3s they put up a strong defence of the island. The F4F was involved in significant action, seeing service in the Battle of the Coral Sea (4th May 1942 - 8th May 1942), the Battle of Midway (4th June 1942 - 7th June 1942), and operations in Guadalcanal and North Africa.

Over 1,000 Martlets, as it was known until 1944 by the Fleet Air Arm, when it was renamed it to its original name of Wildcat, served with the Fleet Air Arm throughout the Second World War. During March 1945 the aircraft would score its last victories while with the Fleet Air Arm, when four Messerschmitt Bf 109s were shot down.

By the time production had ended over 7,500 Wildcats had been built. General Motors would build a number of these designated as FM-1 Wildcat and FM-2 Wildcat.