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The Grumman Wildcat is an American-made, carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the US Navy and the British Royal Navy (as the Martlet) in 1940. Although first used in combat by the British in Europe, the Wildcat was the only U.S. Navy or Marine fighter in the Pacific Theatre from 1941-42 barring the brief appearance of the F2A Buffalo. With a top speed of 332 mph, the Wildcat matched its Imperial Japanese rival, the Mitsubishi Zero, in speed but the Zero initially proved more nimble in the sky. The Wildcat, however, was a more rugged aircraft and, combined with adapted flying techniques, proved superior with an air combat kill-to-loss ration of 6:1 in 1942 and 7:1 for the entire war.
The Wildcat's achievements in combat were outstanding. It had the honor of being the only Navy fighter to serve throughout America's entire time in the war, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to VJ-Day.
Crew: 1 pilot
Engine: Wright R-1820-56/56W/56A/56WA 1,350 horsepower
Wingspan: 38 ft (11.5 m)
Length: 28 ft 11 in (8.8 m)
Height: 12 ft 9 in (3.8 m)
Empty Weight: 5,542 Ibs (2,2513.8 kg)
Cruise Speed: 164 mph (263.9 kph)
Max Speed: 332 mph (534.3 kph)
Rate of Climb: 3,650 fpm (1,112.5 mpm)
Ceiling: 34,700 ft (10,576.5m)
Max Range: 1,310 mi (2,092.5 km)
Combat Range: 990 mi (1,838.4 km)
Armament: 4 × 50 Caliber Machine Guns
The Wildcat's achievements in combat were outstanding. It had the honor of being the only Navy fighter to serve throughout America's entire time in the war, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to VJ-Day.
Crew: 1 pilot
Engine: Wright R-1820-56/56W/56A/56WA 1,350 horsepower
Wingspan: 38 ft (11.5 m)
Length: 28 ft 11 in (8.8 m)
Height: 12 ft 9 in (3.8 m)
Empty Weight: 5,542 Ibs (2,2513.8 kg)
Cruise Speed: 164 mph (263.9 kph)
Max Speed: 332 mph (534.3 kph)
Rate of Climb: 3,650 fpm (1,112.5 mpm)
Ceiling: 34,700 ft (10,576.5m)
Max Range: 1,310 mi (2,092.5 km)
Combat Range: 990 mi (1,838.4 km)
Armament: 4 × 50 Caliber Machine Guns
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