How fast was the Wildcat

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Schweik

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There are contradictory records as to the top speed of the Wildcat or Martlet. Some show a speed of about 320-330 mph, while at least one test showed speed of just under 300 mph. Does anyone have a definitive breakdown of the speeds of the different types? F4F-3, F4F-4, FM-1 and FM-2?
 

This report:
http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/japan/intelsum85-dec42.pdf
compares the F4F-4 with the Zero:

page 5 indicates the measured speeds of the Zero:

SL = ______270mph (SAC data states F4F-4 as 284 mph)
5000ft =___287mph
10000ft =__305mph

Page 9 compares the Zero and F4F-4: and states that at all altitudes above 1000ft the Zero is superior in speed and equal below 1000ft. This kinda suggests that the F4F-4 was a bit slower than the official stats.
 
Last edited:
fubar57 said:
Detail & Scale give the FM-2 going 332mph @ 28,000ft. FM-1 330mph @ 18,000
Click to expand...

That can't be correct as the FM2 had a single stage low altitude rated engine. This is from Flying to the Limit:

The final variant was known from the outset as the Wildcat VI (US Navy FM-2). It was aerodynamically similar to the previous machines, except for increased fin and rudder area to counteract take-off swing accentuated by the use of a more powerful Cyclone R-1820-56 engine of 1350 hp. The Wildcat VI was the most numerous of the Martlet/Wildcat variants in FAA service, with 340 being delivered.

Handling and performance trials involving JV642 took place at Boscombe Down in April 1944. The taller fin and rudder proved to be a big improvement and provided sufficient directional control to enable full flap take-offs to be made with ease. Directional stability on glides was also much better. The latest version of the Cyclone engine not only produced more power, but also weighed less as forged cylinder heads were used. JV642 weighed in at 7100 lb. As a result, performance was improved, with a maximum level speed of 307 mph TAS at 3400 ft in MS gear and 322 mph TAS at 16,800 ft in FS gear. The performance on some late production examples of the Wildcat VI was improved still further by the use of Cyclone engines with water-injection, designated R-1820-56W. Trials with JV782 showed an increase in the top speed of 13 mph TAS at all heights up to 9300 ft, as a result of the increased manifold pressure available when using water-injection.
 
That's only an 8 mph difference, which could boil down to how much fuel they loaded it with, if it had a rearview mirror on it or if the paint was sanded.
 
The FM-2 was capable of 328 to 332 mph.

FM-2 Performance Trials

The early Martlets used by the FAA were rather slower birds the following
information is provided by Neil Stirling of wwiiaircraftperformance.org:
Martlet I: 313 mph/14,500 ft. @ 6,811 lb.
Martlet II: 317 mph/14,000 ft. @ 7,255 lb.
Name was later changed by the FAA:
Wildcat II: 300 mph/14,000 ft. 7,245 lb.
Wildcat III: 307 mph/14,000 ft. 6,700 lb.
Wildcat IV: 298 mph/15,000 ft. @ 7,520 lb.
 
F4F-4 from wwiiaircraftperformance.org as compared to P-39K in red.
 

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