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That depends on how you define "capable".
I would much rather have a P-40 then a F4F for operation from land based airfields during 1942. I would much rather have a P-38 then a F6F during mid 1943.
OK:Jan to June 1942.
P-40E.
F4F-3.
July to December 1942.
P-40F.
F4F-4.
The F4F3 had a much better climb rate than the P40F and was a better high altitude fighter. They were both outstanding ground looping fighters in field landings. Based on the record in the Pacific, the various Wildcats were more successful against Japanese opposition than the P40s. Also in the PTO, the Hellcat, based on the record was a more successful fighter than the P38.
On the contrary, the P-38 scored more Japanese kills than any other aircraft. Given the sheer amount of carrier based battles that occurred, thats a pretty impressive feat for a land based fighter. Me personally? I'd rather be caught in a Lightning than a Hellcat. The twin engines, nose mounted weapons, and the great acceleration and climb-rate could do a number on the Japanese aircraftAlso in the PTO, the Hellcat, based on the record was a more successful fighter than the P38.
On the contrary, the P-38 scored more Japanese kills than any other aircraft. Given the sheer amount of carrier based battles that occurred, thats a pretty impressive feat for a land based fighter. Me personally? I'd rather be caught in a Lightning than a Hellcat. The twin engines, nose mounted weapons, and the great acceleration and climb-rate could do a number on the Japanese aircraft
Weird, that's always what I've heard. Not the first time I've been wrong though!NOT TRUE
From an old post via R. Leonard;
Pacific Theater (includes Aleutians, Central Pacific, South Pacific and Southwest Pacific operating areas):
F6F = 5,221
F4U/FG = 2,155
P-38 = 1,700
F4F/FM-1/FM-2 = 1,408
P-47 = 697
P-40 = 661
P-51/A-36/F-6 = 297
P-39/P-400 = 288
P-61 = 64
PV = 20
F2A = 10
P-36 = 3
P-70 = 2
P-26 = 2
P-35 = 1
I don't see that as an issue.
The U.S. Army wanted P-47 fighter aircraft and B-24 bombers produced in large numbers so they paid for construction of new aircraft factories. If the U.S. Army wants Grumman fighter aircraft they will pay for construction of a new Gruman fighter aircraft plant.
That's a late production contract. If the U.S. Army gives Grumman fighter aircraft priority similiar to Chrysler built tanks they will be building aircraft before the end of 1941.
Tanks are not airplanes.