Difference between revisions of "F4F-3"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Armaments)
m (Details)
(17 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{About
 +
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = F4F (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f4f-3
 
|code=f4f-3
|cockpit=334213/1109971
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}
+
|cockpit=cockpit_f4f-3.jpg
{{About
 
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|usage=other uses
 
|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.'' -->
 +
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.
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
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.
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was 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 out maneuver 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-round fighter, though its top speed and rate of climb is 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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
== General info ==
+
In the air, the Wildcat performs pretty well, with roll rate and turn time being adequate for most engagements. However, on the ground (not on a carrier), it does not perform as well. The acceleration, even when fully upgraded, is subpar on the ground. When taking off, you will find yourself still struggling to take off when most of your teammates are already in the air.
=== 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.''
 
  
{| 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 5,800 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 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
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 495 || 482 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.2 || 20.7 || 12.7 || 12.7 || 210
+
! Stock
 +
| 499 || 482 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.7 || 12.7 || 12.7 || rowspan="2" | 210
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 540 || 518 || 18.0 || 18.9 || 18.0 || 15.1
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
 
! 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
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 540 || 518 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.6 || 18.9 || 20.7 || 15.1 || 210
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====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     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X ||     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| 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|| ~11 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 420 || ~14 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 97: Line 71:
 
{| 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
+
| < 300 || < 330 || < 350 || > 335
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 118: Line 89:
 
! 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 126: Line 97:
 
! 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 134: Line 105:
 
! 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.-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 +
 
 
* 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 at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls).
+
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (450 rpg = 1,800 total)
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning 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.-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''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 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 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).'' -->
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 armored.
+
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 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.
  
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 are less armored 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.
+
=== 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===
 
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"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
|Offensive 12mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
|Mk.41
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
|New 12mm MGs
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Cover
 
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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 cals 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 248: Line 184:
 
* 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
 
 
* Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)
 
* Bad cockpit rear visibility (SB)
 +
* Engine and oil overheat quickly when using WEP
  
 
== 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 it’s 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 maneuverable 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 ===
 +
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 ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<div><ul>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F4F-3 Rework Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Updated image of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]] </li>
 +
</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 ==
Line 270: Line 225:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 07:36, 17 February 2021

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the American naval fighter F4F-3. For other versions, see F4F (Family).
F4F-3
f4f-3.png
GarageImage F4F-3.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/5/56/Cockpit_f4f-3.jpg
F4F-3
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

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

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 5 800 m518 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude12 000 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-1830-86
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t

In the air, the Wildcat performs pretty well, with roll rate and turn time being adequate for most engagements. However, on the ground (not on a carrier), it does not perform as well. The acceleration, even when fully upgraded, is subpar on the ground. When taking off, you will find yourself still struggling to take off when most of your teammates are already in the air.

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

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 ~14 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 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

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h
  • 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
  • 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB467 → 627 Sl icon.png
RB934 → 1 255 Sl icon.png
SB1 362 → 1 830 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 400 Rp icon.png
9 390 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 80 / 150 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
630 Rp icon.png
Cost:
710 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
630 Rp icon.png
Cost:
710 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk.41
Research:
630 Rp icon.png
Cost:
710 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition1 800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F4F-3 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
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 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

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)
  • Engine and oil overheat quickly when using WEP

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
  • Updated image of the F4F-3.
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
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

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