Difference between revisions of "F4F-3"
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{{About | {{About | ||
− | |about= | + | | about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' |
− | |usage=other | + | | 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 | + | 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 | + | === 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 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 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}} || | + | | 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 | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
− | ! Take-off | ||
− | ! Landing | ||
− | ! Air brakes | ||
− | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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 | + | ! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! + | + | ! + !! - |
− | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs| | + | | {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~13 || ~4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 105: | Line 88: | ||
! Radiator<br>(km/h) | ! Radiator<br>(km/h) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | < | + | | < 300 || < 330 || < 350 || > 335 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 119: | Line 102: | ||
! WEP Engine power | ! WEP Engine power | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 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 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 3,444 m || 1,090 hp || 1,199 hp |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! colspan="3" | Setting 3 | |
|- | |- | ||
! Optimal altitude | ! Optimal altitude | ||
Line 135: | Line 118: | ||
! WEP Engine power | ! WEP Engine power | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 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 | ||
− | |||
== 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 M2 | + | * 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, 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 | + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: |
− | * 2 x 100 | + | * Without load |
+ | * 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 | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
− | + | 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 | ||
− | The Wildcat will have a hard time downing planes simply because it has | + | The Wildcat will have a hard time downing planes simply because it has 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 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 | | + | | 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 === |
− | |||
− | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
− | ! | + | ! Tier |
! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ||
− | ! | + | ! Survivability |
! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ||
|- | |- | ||
| I | | I | ||
− | | Fuselage | + | | Fuselage repair |
| Radiator | | Radiator | ||
− | | | + | | |
− | |Offensive | + | | Offensive 12 mm |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| II | | II | ||
− | | | + | | |
| Compressor | | Compressor | ||
| Airframe | | Airframe | ||
| | | | ||
− | |Mk.41 | + | | Mk.41 |
|- | |- | ||
| III | | III | ||
− | | Wings | + | | Wings repair |
| Engine | | Engine | ||
− | | | + | | |
− | |New | + | | New 12 mm MGs |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| IV | | IV | ||
− | | | + | | |
− | | Engine | + | | 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 === | ||
− | <!-- | + | <!-- ''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 | + | * 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 249: | Line 229: | ||
* 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 | + | * Only 4 x .50 cal, somehow inadequate compared to the P-40 |
− | |||
* 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 | + | <!-- ''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 | + | 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 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 | + | 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 245: | ||
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, | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
− | + | ;Images | |
− | <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> |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
</ul></div> | </ul></div> | ||
+ | ;Videos | ||
+ | {{Youtube-gallery|Kn5rIoPjHuA|'''The Shooting Range #118''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ''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;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | ||
Line 285: | Line 264: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
+ | |||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;'' | * ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;'' | ||
* ''other literature.'' | * ''other literature.'' | ||
+ | {{AirManufacturer Grumman}} | ||
{{USA fighters}} | {{USA fighters}} |
Revision as of 12:37, 15 March 2020
Contents
This page is about the American naval fighter F4F-3. For other versions, see F4F (Family). |
Description
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
The F4F-3 is armed with:
- 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (450 rpg = 1,800 total)
Suspended armament
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 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 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
- 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
- Images
- Videos
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.
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation | |
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Aircraft | |
Fighters | |
F3F | F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2 |
F4F Wildcat | F4F-3 · F4F-4 |
XF5F Skyrocket | XF5F · XP-50 |
F6F Hellcat | F6F-5 · F6F-5N |
F7F Tigercat | F7F-1 · F7F-3 |
F8F Bearcat | F8F-1 · F8F-1B |
Jet Fighters | |
F9F Panther/Cougar | F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8 |
F-11 Tiger | F11F-1 |
F-14 Tomcat | F-14A Early · F-14B |
Jet Strike Aircraft | |
A-6 Intruder | A-6E TRAM |
Bombers | TBF-1C |
Export | ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II |
Naval Vehicles | |
Patrol Gunboat Hydrofoil (PGH) | USS Flagstaff |
USA fighters | |
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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 |