Difference between revisions of "F4F-4"

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}}
 
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about=American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other uses
+
|usage=other variants
 
|link=F4F (Family)
 
|link=F4F (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It 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}}. This figher has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed 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.'' -->
 
The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high altitude. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.
 
The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high altitude. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.
  
 
The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.
 
The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,600 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,600 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! 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>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 494 || 481 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.3 || 21.8 || 11.6 || 11.6 || 258
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,600 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 498 || 481 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.8 || 11.6 || 11.6 || rowspan="2" | 258
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 539 || 517 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.6 || 19.9 || 19.3 || 14 || 258
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 538 || 517 || 18.9 || 19.9 || 16.8 || 14.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 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 || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||420|| ~8 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 420 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 320 || < 390 || < 300 || > 200
 
| < 320 || < 390 || < 300 || > 200
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,157 m || 800 hp || 864 hp  
+
| 3,157 m || 800 hp || 864 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 5,220 m || 950 hp || 1,026 hp  
+
| 5,220 m || 950 hp || 1,026 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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
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== 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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 1,440 total)
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 1,440 total)
  
−
If you liked the F4F-3 Wildcat but was disappointed by its poor armament, you will welcome the upgrade in firepower from the F4F-4. The 2 extra M2 Brownings increase the firepower from the Buffalo and F4F-3 by an entire kilogram, reaching a respectable one-second burst mass of 3.30 kg/s compared to the previously mentioned Buffalo and F4F-3's 2.20 kg/s.
+
If you liked the F4F-3 Wildcat but were disappointed by its poor armament, you will welcome the upgrade in firepower from the F4F-4. The 2 extra M2 Brownings increase the firepower from the Buffalo and F4F-3 by an entire kilogram, reaching a respectable one-second burst mass of 3.30 kg/s compared to the previously mentioned Buffalo and F4F-3's 2.20 kg/s.
  
 
However, a downside to this change is a much lower ammo count per machine gun load. The total ammunition load is the same at around 1,400 rounds, but compared to the F4F-3's 450 rounds per gun load, the F4F-4 only has 240 rounds per gun. As such, the time span of firing is reduced greatly for the gain in increased fire saturation.
 
However, a downside to this change is a much lower ammo count per machine gun load. The total ammunition load is the same at around 1,400 rounds, but compared to the F4F-3's 450 rounds per gun load, the F4F-4 only has 240 rounds per gun. As such, the time span of firing is reduced greatly for the gain in increased fire saturation.
  
 
=== 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:
  
−
* 2 x 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
+
* 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 vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 the 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).'' -->
 
As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.
 
As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.
  
−
As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the dreaded J2M2. '''Do not engage with any of these targets!''' All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.
+
As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the dreaded J2M2. '''Do not engage with any of these targets!''' All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.
  
 
When encountering enemies, there are some that should be highlighted as dangerous to the F4F-4's well-being.
 
When encountering enemies, there are some that should be highlighted as dangerous to the F4F-4's well-being.
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* J2M2's: The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.
 
* J2M2's: The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.
  
−
===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" |ombined|| 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 12 mm
+
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
−
|  
+
|
−
|MK.41
+
| Mk.41
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
−
|New 12 mm MGs
+
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
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.
  
 
=== 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
Line 262: Line 221:
  
 
== 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 an 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.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
"The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.
+
The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.
  
−
The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane’s ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot’s seat was armored. Other armored areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
+
The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armored. Other armored areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
  
−
The F4F-4 entered service in 1942, but the pilots were disappointed with the new model. It had greater survivability when compared with the F4F-3 but had significantly lower performance characteristics. Also, its gun ammunition was reduced and could be depleted in less than 20 seconds, which also evoked a negative response from pilots.  
+
The F4F-4 entered service in 1942, but the pilots were disappointed with the new model. It had greater survivability when compared with the F4F-3 but had significantly lower performance characteristics. Also, its gun ammunition was reduced and could be depleted in less than 20 seconds, which also evoked a negative response from pilots.
  
−
All in all, 1169 F4F-4s were constructed."
+
All in all, 1169 F4F-4s were constructed.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<div><ul>
+
[[File:F4F-4 Reworked Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Reworked model of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F4F-4 Reworked Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Reworked model 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>
 
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|Kn5rIoPjHuA|'''The Shooting Range #118''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|Kn5rIoPjHuA|'''The Shooting Range #118''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.}}
Line 287: Line 243:
 
== 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 293: Line 248:
 
== 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 aircraft;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 20:52, 29 September 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
F4F-4
f4f-4.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/24/Cockpit_f4f-4.jpg
F4F-4
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American fighter F4F-4. For other variants, see F4F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F4F-4.jpg


The F4F-4 Wildcat is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high altitude. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.

The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,600 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 498 481 8500 20.9 21.8 11.6 11.6 258
Upgraded 538 517 18.9 19.9 16.8 14.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 320 420 420 420 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 320 < 390 < 300 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,157 m 800 hp 864 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,220 m 950 hp 1,026 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
  • 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
  • Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls).

The Wildcats have two large and easy to hit fuel tanks that are placed in the centre of the fuselage, and a big oil cooling system in the cowling. This means that any pilot who knows where to aim will be able to seriously cripple you and send you limping back to the airfield if they don't kill you outright.

When facing against a Wildcat pilot, a smart Wildcat pilot will assess the situation it is in and plan accordingly. If you are in a plane that turns worse, do not take its bait to make you turn to fight them, so try to Boom-N-Zoom it and vice-versa for a plane that turns better but is slower.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F4F-4 is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 1,440 total)

If you liked the F4F-3 Wildcat but were disappointed by its poor armament, you will welcome the upgrade in firepower from the F4F-4. The 2 extra M2 Brownings increase the firepower from the Buffalo and F4F-3 by an entire kilogram, reaching a respectable one-second burst mass of 3.30 kg/s compared to the previously mentioned Buffalo and F4F-3's 2.20 kg/s.

However, a downside to this change is a much lower ammo count per machine gun load. The total ammunition load is the same at around 1,400 rounds, but compared to the F4F-3's 450 rounds per gun load, the F4F-4 only has 240 rounds per gun. As such, the time span of firing is reduced greatly for the gain in increased fire saturation.

Suspended armament

Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The F4F-4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

Usage in battles

As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.

As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the dreaded J2M2. Do not engage with any of these targets! All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.

When encountering enemies, there are some that should be highlighted as dangerous to the F4F-4's well-being.

  • BF 109's: The legendary Messerschmitts out climb you, outrun you and in some cases, outturn you. E-4's and F-1's are the most common versions you will come across, but you can face the F-4 which is entirely superior. You can outturn the E-4, but be wary of its twin MG FF/M carrying the volatile minengeschoß round. However, do not engage with the F-1, as it turns better and is faster than you while still mounting a single MG FF/M which only needs to land a few shots before downing you and the same goes for the F-4 which mounts the more powerful MG 151.
  • A6M2's: Zeroes are an interesting opponent to fight, but are easily countered. Zeroes turn better than almost every plane in the game but are painfully slow, so abuse their low speed to Boom-N-Zoom them, but be careful about their two 20mm cannons which can still down you as you fly away.
  • J2M2's: The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.

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

For firepower modules, outside of upgrades for the machine guns, the unlock of the module Mk.41 will allow the F4F-4 to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent manoeuvrability
  • Decent roll rate
  • Carried an extra pair of guns
  • Can carry bombs
  • Can take some damage
  • Improved pilot protection from already good protection from the previous model
  • Good dive speed and characteristic
  • Can fly with a red engine (AB)

Cons:

  • Commonly faces difficult foes
  • Mediocre rate of climb and top speed
  • Low ammo count of only 1,440 rounds, despite the added guns
  • Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)

History

In-game description

The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.

The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armored. Other armored areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.

The F4F-4 entered service in 1942, but the pilots were disappointed with the new model. It had greater survivability when compared with the F4F-3 but had significantly lower performance characteristics. Also, its gun ammunition was reduced and could be depleted in less than 20 seconds, which also evoked a negative response from pilots.

All in all, 1169 F4F-4s were constructed.

Media

Images
Reworked model of the F4F-4.
Videos
The Shooting Range #118 - Pages of History section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.

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
Aircraft 
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F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
XF5F Skyrocket  XF5F · XP-50
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Export  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II
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Naval Vehicles 
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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
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Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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