The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft available to the U.S. Navy at the beginning of the Pacific Campaign, and U.S. 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, however, the Wildcat's sturdy construction afforded the pilot good protection and enabled the type to absorb a great deal of combat damage and still be able to reach the carrier.
Facts...
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial, 1,200hp
Armament: Six .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
