Description

The FM-2 Wildcat was designed and prototyped by Grumman Aircraft. More than 4000 were built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of the General Motors Company between 1943 - 1945. These aircraft incorporated a lighter airframe and a more powerful engine. This meant there was a physical design difference between the F4F and the FM-2. The FM-2 had a taller vertical tail for stability to counter the increased torque of the engine. Armament consisted of 4 - .50 cal. guns, 2 - external bomb or fuel racks and air to ground rocket launch points on the wings. These aircraft were primarily operated from escort carriers to support ground operations in the Pacific theater of operations. These same aircraft were teamed with Grumman Avengers and used in anti-sub operations in the Atlantic against U-boats.