F4F Wildcat
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was a mid-winged, single-engine fighter utilized primarily by the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific during the first part of World War II.
The Wildcat was generally considered inferior to its main opposition: The A6M Zero and Ki-43 "Oscar," however though slower and less maneuverable, the tubby little Grumman was substantially better armored, more heavily armed, could out-dive and possessed superior high-speed handling than her Japanese counterparts. Combined with improved tactics and better training, these strengths allowed American pilots to defeat the "invincible" Zero. While generally overlooked by history, the F4F may have been the fighter that won the Pacific War, as it was the tough and dependable little Grummans that held the line at Coral Sea, Midway, and the furious battle of attrition at Guadalcanal before more advanced types became available.
Although generally displaced by later designs, the Wildcat continued to operate with both the US Navy and Marines, and the British Fleet Air Arm throughout the war, often flying from the small escort carriers.
Variants
The Wildcat in Aces High II is represented by two models:
