Grumman F4F Wildcat

USN VC-93, White 6, USS Petrof Bay, 1945

POSTAGE STAMP 1:87 PS5351-3

In mid 1942, Grumman realized that it needed to concentrate on the production of its new F6F Hellcat fighter, and so it contracted with the General Motors Company to build the Wildcat under the designation FM-1. hundreds of which went to the Fleet Air Arm as the "Martlet Mk V." General Motors next developed an improved version, called the FM-2 , which was powered by a Wright R-1820 engine with 1,350 horsepower. It featured a taller vertical tail than the FM-1.

Grumman F4F Wildcat

Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a new carrier-based fighter, the F-4F was first flown on September 2nd, 1937. Originally used by the British (who called it the Martlet) against the Luftwaffe, the Wildcat also became the United States Navy's primary carrier fighter in the Pacific Theatre. The Wildcat was no match for the maneuverability of the Japanese Zero, but the two airplanes were roughly equal in speed and the F-4F was able to absorb far more damage. With its array of 6 x 12.7mm machine guns and its distinctive Thach weave maneuver, two Wildcats could handle four or five Zeros.

Postage Stamp Planes

The "Postage Stamp Planes" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft.

"Postage Stamp Planes" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic ordnance loads