Wildcat

[Clave]

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was a US carrier fighter during WW2. It was introduced in 1940 and first saw combat with the Royal Navy where it was called the Martlet.

The Wildcat was the US Navy's second monoplane fighter after the Buffalo, and although lacking in speed compared to the Zero, it was durable and successful, and production continued until the end of the war.

The F4F-3 was armed with 4 x 0.5 inch machine guns and could carry 2 x 100 lb bombs. The F4F-4 increased the number of guns to six and it also had folding wings allowing more aircraft per carrier.

This example is an F4F-3 of VF-3 US Navy circa 1942.

 

[buffnut453]

The Wildcat was the US Navy's first monoplane fighter

...Err, that would be the F2A-1 not the Wildcat.

Great artwork, though (as always, Clave!! ). I always liked VF-3's Felix badge.

 

[Wildcat]

Very nice Clave!

 

[Clave]

...Err, that would be the F2A-1 not the Wildcat.

Great artwork, though (as always, Clave!! ). I always liked VF-3's Felix badge.

Edited - I misread something...

And yeah, Felix the cat is a great logo.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Nicely done!

 

[Gnomey]

Nicely done! Terry will be pleased

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

I was thinking the same thing Gnomey. Excellent work Clave!

 

[Clave]

Thanks!

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-6 US Navy 1942.

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-7 US Navy 1940.

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-8 US Navy 1942.

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-39 US Navy 1943.

*Removed pending further research*

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-41 US Navy 1941.

Grumman F4F-3 of VF-72 US Navy 1941.

Grumman Martlet I of 804 Naval Air Squadron Royal Navy 1940.

Grumman Martlet I of 805 Naval Air Squadron Royal Navy 1941.

 

[Gnomey]

Good ones Clave!

 

[Messy1]

Great job!

 

[mudpuppy]

I really enjoy your profiles, Clave! I know I view them more than i make comments but do appreciate you posting these.

I've not seen bright green coloring like you have on the tail surfaces of the F4F-3 of VF-41 craft. Was this a flight group designation, or identifying marking?
Thanks
db

 

[Clave]

The green tails were a ship identity mark - green was CV-4 Ranger.

 

[wheelsup_cavu]

Very cool Clave. 8)


Wheels

 

[N4521U]

Clave, egggggcellent work mate! Q, was that VF-3 on the Yorktown?

 

[Clave]

Clave, egggggcellent work mate! Q, was that VF-3 on the Yorktown?

Lexington I believe...

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Fantastic work sir. You never cease to amaze.

 

[Wayne Little]

Ditto!

 

[Clave]

Thanks!

I'm going to drop the VF-39 bird as it is a bit dodgy, but once I have some other versions drawn, I will add in some more squadrons depending on what I can dig up for reference...

Here's one from VMF-111:

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

 

[Gnomey]

Nice one Clave!