- Air Power Series
- Highly detailed realistic collectible model
- Diecast & plastic parts
- Display stand included.
- Measures 8.25” L x 9.25” Wingspan
- Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above
Early in the Pacific War in WWII the Grumman F4F Wildcat was the best fighter aircraft the U.S. had but was outperformed by the Japanese Zero. The Wildcat’s folding wings allowed for a greater number of aircraft that could be carried but added extra weight and reduced the aircraft performance. New features such as self-sealing fuel tanks, heavy armor made up for the Wildcat’s lesser performance. By the end of WWII, the F4F had flown approximately 15,500 sorties with a kill ratio of 6.9 victories to 1.
The F4F-4 variant entered service in 1941 with six machine guns and the Grumman-patented Sto-Wing folding wing system, which allowed more aircraft to be stored on an aircraft carrier, increasing the number of fighters that could be parked on a surface by more than a factor of 2. The F4F-4 was the definitive version that saw the most combat service in the early war years, including the Battle of Midway. Navy F4F-3s were replaced by F4F-4s in June 1942. During the Battle of Midway, only VMF-221 still used F4F-3s. VF-42 of the Yorktown was the last carrier group converted to the F4F-4, and that was done as it left Pearl Harbor on the way to the Battle of Midway as VF-3 flew in new F4F-4s.
Operation Torch was an Anglo-American invasion of French Morocco and Algeria that were the bases for the Vichy French forces and navy. On November 8, 1942 the invasion began and was completed on November 16. Part of Task Force 34 was the USS Ranger with VF-9 as one of the squadrons onboard. One sortie carried out by VF-9 included nine F4F led by Lt. Cmdr Jack Raby. The aircraft made three-abreast passes over Cazes airfield located southwest of Casablanca destroying many aircraft still on the ground. VF-9 also shot down six Vichy airborne aircraft.
This Hobby Master 1/48 scale model is a replica of the F4F-4 Wildcat flown by Lt. Cdr. John Raby as part of VF-9 “Cat o; Nines” based aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) during “Operation Torch” November 1942.
As with most Hobby Master models this F4F-4 Wildcat features engraved panel lines, antennas, surface detail, aircrew figure, canopy can be shown in open position, a well-appointed cockpit (with instrumentation details), full weapons complement, optional-position landing gear, authentic squadron markings, and a display stand.
Specifications :
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Total Aircraft Manufactured:
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7,860
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British Name:
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Martlet
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Role:
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American Carrier-based Fighter
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Crew:
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1 pilot
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Performance
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Powerplant:
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1 X Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 Double-Row Radial Engine, 1,200 hp (900 kW)
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Maximum Speed:
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320 mph (290 kn / 515 km/h)
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Service Ceiling:
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34,000 ft (10,363 m)
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Rate of Climb:
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2,200 ft/min (11.17 m/s) Normal Power
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Range:
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830 miles (721 nmi / 1,337 km)
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Dimensions
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Length:
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28 ft 9 in (8.8 m)
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Wingspan:
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38 ft (11.6 m)
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Height:
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9 ft 2.5 in (2.8 m)
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Weights:
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Empty:
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5,895 lb (2,674 kg)
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Loaded:
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7,975 lb (3,617 kg)
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Maximum Takeoff:
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8,762 lb (3,974 kg)
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Armament:
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Guns:
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6 X .050 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine Guns
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