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THE PLANES - GRUMMAN F4F WILDCAT
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft available to the US Navy
at the beginning of the Pacific Campaign, and US pilots flying the type soon
evolved tactics for dealing with the more maneuverable Zero - keeping above the
Zero and not attempting to dogfight with it, but diving on it and remaining in
the dive to escape. If a dogfight did prove necessary, however, the Wildcat's
sturdy construction afforded the pilot good protection and enabled the type to
absorb a great deal of combat damage and still be able to reach the carrier.
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial, 1,200hp
Armament: Size .5 inch machine guns and two 100 pound bombs
Maximum speed: 328 mph at 21,000 feet Climb: 2,265 feet per minute
Ceiling: 37,500 feet
Range: 845 miles
Weights empty/loaded: 5,342/8,152 pounds Span: 38 feet
Length: 28 feet 9 inches
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