Difference between revisions of "F4F-3"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
m (Edits.)
(Updated as of 1.89.1.185)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other uses
+
| usage = other versions
−
|link=F4F (Family)
+
| link = F4F (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
 
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
−
The Wildcat is a beast when piloted well. Its strengths lie in its firepower and diving ability, but it also has the ability to outmanoeuvre most aircraft in War Thunder. This gives you numerous options when dogfighting.  
+
The Wildcat is a beast when piloted well. Its strengths lie in its firepower and diving ability, but it also has the ability to outmanoeuvre most aircraft in War Thunder. This gives you numerous options when dogfighting.
  
 
The F4F-3 Wildcat is a good all-around fighter, though its top speed and rate of climb are lacking. It is good to go head-on with opponents from other nations as their aircraft won't be able to withstand the damage that the Wildcat can deal, and the good protection for your pilot added to the overall resilience of the aircraft gives it some pretty impressive defence.
 
The F4F-3 Wildcat is a good all-around fighter, though its top speed and rate of climb are lacking. It is good to go head-on with opponents from other nations as their aircraft won't be able to withstand the damage that the Wildcat can deal, and the good protection for your pilot added to the overall resilience of the aircraft gives it some pretty impressive defence.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
Line 35: Line 33:
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 495 || 482 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.2 || 20.7 || 12.7 || 12.7 || 210
+
| 499 || 482 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.7 || 12.7 || 12.7 || 210
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 540 || 518 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.6 || 18.9 || 20.7 || 15.1 || 210
+
| 540 || 518 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.0 || 18.9 || 18 || 15.1 || 210
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 86: Line 70:
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||420|| ~11 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~13 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 105: Line 88:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 320 || < 390 || < 300 || > 200
+
| < 300 || < 330 || < 350 || > 335
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 119: Line 102:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,157 m || 900 hp || 977 hp  
+
| 1,158 m || 1,100 hp || 1,210 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 127: Line 110:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 6,300 m || 950 hp || 1,031 hp  
+
| 3,444 m || 1,090 hp || 1,199 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 135: Line 118:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 5,608 m || 1,040 hp || N/A
−
|- -->
+
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
* 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
 
* 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
 
* 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
 
* 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
 
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
 
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
−
* Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls).
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (450 rpg = 1,800 total)
−
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (450 rpg = 1,800 total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
+
* Without load
−
* 2 x 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
+
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
This aircraft is armed with only 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns. However, you can try to BnZ some Japanese fighters or aircraft as they are more lightly armoured.
+
The Wildcat is an easy plane to fly. It is very manoeuvrable and well-armed for its class. You can out turn pretty much all German and Russian aircraft, but beware that you don't get sucked into a turn fight with any of the Japanese planes and especially the British Spitfire.
−
 
 
−
The Wildcat is an easy plane to fly. It is very manoeuvrable and well-armed for its class. You can out turn pretty much all German and Russian aircraft, but beware that you don’t get sucked into a turn fight with any of the Japanese planes and especially the British Spitfire.
 
  
−
The Wildcat will have a hard time downing planes simply because it has a low ammo count and the armament is only 4 machine guns, you will often get matched with the BF 109E-3 and F-1 which have powerful canons and a very good turn rate. The best way to use this cat is to BnZ since most of your opponent is less armoured and are slower. You can also out turn some of the Russian aircraft, but if you cannot, simply dive away, you might rip the wings off. If your opponent is too concentrated on attacking than protecting.
+
The Wildcat will have a hard time downing planes simply because it has a low ammo count and the armament is only 4 machine guns, you will often get matched with the [[Bf 109 E-3]] and [[Bf 109 F-1|F-1]] which have powerful cannons and a very good turn rate. The best way to use this plane is to BnZ since most of your opponents are less armoured and are slower. You can also out turn some of the Russian aircraft, but if you cannot simply dive away, as you may rip the wings off.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |Combined|| rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
−
For firepower modules, outside of upgrades for the machine guns, the unlock of the module ''Mk.41'' will allow the {{PAGENAME}} to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.
 
−
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
−
|Offensive 12mm
+
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
|
−
|Mk.41
+
| Mk.41
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
−
|New 12mm MGs
+
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
* The unlock of the module ''Mk.41'' will allow the {{PAGENAME}} to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
* More than adequate turn rate
 
* More than adequate turn rate
−
* Decent armament with loads of ammo, 4 wing-mounted .50 calibre with 450 RPG
+
* Decent armament with loads of ammo, 4 wing-mounted .50 calibre with 450 rpg
 
* Almost never overheats, even when holding down WEP
 
* Almost never overheats, even when holding down WEP
 
* Decent roll rate
 
* Decent roll rate
Line 245: Line 221:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* The F4F-3 is a rather sluggish climber, doing 15 degrees at most
 
* The F4F-3 is a rather sluggish climber, doing 15 degrees at most
 
* Terrible at head-ons, due to the exposed engine being a target and the guns being wing-mounted
 
* Terrible at head-ons, due to the exposed engine being a target and the guns being wing-mounted
 
* Most of the flammable components are stored in the front of the plane, near the pilot
 
* Most of the flammable components are stored in the front of the plane, near the pilot
−
* Only 4 x 50.cal, somehow inadequate compared to the P-40
+
* Only 4 x .50 cal, somehow inadequate compared to the P-40
 
* Low ammo count of only 1400 rounds
 
* Low ammo count of only 1400 rounds
 
* Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)
 
* Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
During the early years WW2, the United States’ main fighter in its navy was the F4F Wildcat. One of the first monoplane navy fighters of its era. It served well in many battles, like the battle for Wake Island, and most notably in the battle of Guadalcanal. It was a very reliable aircraft, however, was constantly challenged by the infamous A6M2 and A6M3 Zero. However, most of the time skilled pilots like John Smith were able to out-dogfight more manoeuvrable fighters like the Zero and Oscar in those battles.
+
During the early years WW2, the United States' main fighter in its navy was the F4F Wildcat, one of the first monoplane navy fighters of its era. It served well in many battles, like the battle for Wake Island, and most notably in the battle of Guadalcanal. It was a very reliable aircraft, however, was constantly challenged by the infamous A6M2 and A6M3 Zero. However, most of the time skilled pilots like John Smith were able to out-dogfight more manoeuvrable fighters like the Zero and Oscar in those battles.
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
"The first model, the XF4F-1, was a biplane, but to meet the demands of U.S. Navy’s carrier-based monoplane competition, the Grumman Company changed the design, creating the XF4F-2 prototype. Due to a number of defects in the XF4F-2, a competing firm won instead with the Brewster F2A Buffalo. However, the F4F had potential and was sent back for revision. The next model was superior to the Buffalo, and the other new versions of the Buffalo did not satisfy the requirements of the fleet, so in August of 1939, Grumman received an order for the first series of F4F-3 Wildcats.
+
The first model, the XF4F-1, was a biplane, but to meet the demands of U.S. Navy's carrier-based monoplane competition, the Grumman Company changed the design, creating the XF4F-2 prototype. Due to a number of defects in the XF4F-2, a competing firm won instead with the Brewster F2A Buffalo. However, the F4F had potential and was sent back for revision. The next model was superior to the Buffalo, and the other new versions of the Buffalo did not satisfy the requirements of the fleet, so in August of 1939, Grumman received an order for the first series of F4F-3 Wildcats.
  
−
The F4F-3 was a single-engine all-metal plane with midwing construction, armed with four 12.7 mm M-2 Browning machine guns. Because of its lack of maneuverability, the F4F-3 lost to the Japanese fighter in close dogfights, so pilots prefer to avoid such situations by diving out of battle, taking advantage of their aircraft’s higher speed.
+
The F4F-3 was a single-engine all-metal plane with midwing construction, armed with four 12.7 mm M-2 Browning machine guns. Because of its lack of manoeuvrability, the F4F-3 lost to the Japanese fighter in close dogfights, so pilots prefer to avoid such situations by diving out of battle, taking advantage of their aircraft's higher speed.
  
 
The Wildcat had only one major drawback - the landing gear extension system. In order to release or retract the landing gear, the pilot had to crank a mechanical hoist handle 29 times, which was difficult given the need to direct the aircraft and start climbing after takeoff.
 
The Wildcat had only one major drawback - the landing gear extension system. In order to release or retract the landing gear, the pilot had to crank a mechanical hoist handle 29 times, which was difficult given the need to direct the aircraft and start climbing after takeoff.
Line 266: Line 241:
 
The Wildcat was exported to Greece, Britain and Canada.
 
The Wildcat was exported to Greece, Britain and Canada.
  
−
All in all, 7251 F4Fs (including all variants) were constructed, including 285 F4F-3s."
+
All in all, 7251 F4Fs (including all variants) were constructed, including 285 F4F-3s.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
<div><ul>  
+
<div><ul>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F4F-3 Rework Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Updated image of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]] </li><!--
+
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F4F-3 Rework Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Updated image of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]] </li>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:File.jpg|thumb|none|Info)]]]] </li>
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:File.jpg|thumb|none|Info)]]]] </li>
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:File.jpg|thumb|none|Info)]]]] </li>-->
 
 
</ul></div>
 
</ul></div>
  

Revision as of 09:42, 5 September 2019

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
F4F-3
f4f-3.png
F4F-3
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 3.0
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American naval fighter F4F-3. For other versions, see F4F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F4F-3.jpg


The F4F-3 Wildcat is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 3.0 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Wildcat is a beast when piloted well. Its strengths lie in its firepower and diving ability, but it also has the ability to outmanoeuvre most aircraft in War Thunder. This gives you numerous options when dogfighting.

The F4F-3 Wildcat is a good all-around fighter, though its top speed and rate of climb are lacking. It is good to go head-on with opponents from other nations as their aircraft won't be able to withstand the damage that the Wildcat can deal, and the good protection for your pilot added to the overall resilience of the aircraft gives it some pretty impressive defence.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,800 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
499 482 12000 19.9 20.7 12.7 12.7 210
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,800 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
540 518 12000 18.0 18.9 18 15.1 210

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
420 ~13 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 300 < 330 < 350 > 335
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,158 m 1,100 hp 1,210 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,444 m 1,090 hp 1,199 hp
Setting 3
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,608 m 1,040 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
  • 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F4F-3 is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (450 rpg = 1,800 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The F4F-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

Usage in battles

The Wildcat is an easy plane to fly. It is very manoeuvrable and well-armed for its class. You can out turn pretty much all German and Russian aircraft, but beware that you don't get sucked into a turn fight with any of the Japanese planes and especially the British Spitfire.

The Wildcat will have a hard time downing planes simply because it has a low ammo count and the armament is only 4 machine guns, you will often get matched with the Bf 109 E-3 and F-1 which have powerful cannons and a very good turn rate. The best way to use this plane is to BnZ since most of your opponents are less armoured and are slower. You can also out turn some of the Russian aircraft, but if you cannot simply dive away, as you may rip the wings off.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
3 gears 		Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe Mk.41
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs
IV Engine injection Cover
  • The unlock of the module Mk.41 will allow the F4F-3 to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • More than adequate turn rate
  • Decent armament with loads of ammo, 4 wing-mounted .50 calibre with 450 rpg
  • Almost never overheats, even when holding down WEP
  • Decent roll rate
  • Can carry bombs
  • Can take some damage
  • Good Pilot Protection
  • Good dive speed and characteristic
  • Can fly with a red engine (AB)

Cons:

  • The F4F-3 is a rather sluggish climber, doing 15 degrees at most
  • Terrible at head-ons, due to the exposed engine being a target and the guns being wing-mounted
  • Most of the flammable components are stored in the front of the plane, near the pilot
  • Only 4 x .50 cal, somehow inadequate compared to the P-40
  • Low ammo count of only 1400 rounds
  • Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)

History

During the early years WW2, the United States' main fighter in its navy was the F4F Wildcat, one of the first monoplane navy fighters of its era. It served well in many battles, like the battle for Wake Island, and most notably in the battle of Guadalcanal. It was a very reliable aircraft, however, was constantly challenged by the infamous A6M2 and A6M3 Zero. However, most of the time skilled pilots like John Smith were able to out-dogfight more manoeuvrable fighters like the Zero and Oscar in those battles.

In-game description

The first model, the XF4F-1, was a biplane, but to meet the demands of U.S. Navy's carrier-based monoplane competition, the Grumman Company changed the design, creating the XF4F-2 prototype. Due to a number of defects in the XF4F-2, a competing firm won instead with the Brewster F2A Buffalo. However, the F4F had potential and was sent back for revision. The next model was superior to the Buffalo, and the other new versions of the Buffalo did not satisfy the requirements of the fleet, so in August of 1939, Grumman received an order for the first series of F4F-3 Wildcats.

The F4F-3 was a single-engine all-metal plane with midwing construction, armed with four 12.7 mm M-2 Browning machine guns. Because of its lack of manoeuvrability, the F4F-3 lost to the Japanese fighter in close dogfights, so pilots prefer to avoid such situations by diving out of battle, taking advantage of their aircraft's higher speed.

The Wildcat had only one major drawback - the landing gear extension system. In order to release or retract the landing gear, the pilot had to crank a mechanical hoist handle 29 times, which was difficult given the need to direct the aircraft and start climbing after takeoff.

The Wildcat was exported to Greece, Britain and Canada.

All in all, 7251 F4Fs (including all variants) were constructed, including 285 F4F-3s.

Media

  • Updated image of the F4F-3.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F4F-3&oldid=31118"