F4F Wildcat

aircraft

Also known as: Wildcat

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The F4F Wildcat was a U.S. Navy fighter aircraft introduced in 1940. It was a monoplane design, a departure from earlier biplanes, and featured folding wings for easier storage on aircraft carriers. The Wildcat served as the United States' primary carrier-based fighter until the F6F Hellcat became available in 1943. It was considered a first-class fighter during the early years of World War II, alongside aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the Japanese Zero. The F4F Wildcat was powered by a Pratt & Whitney radial engine.12

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Leroy Randle Grumman
With the F4F Wildcat, introduced in 1940, Grumman switched to monoplane construction. The F4F featured a folding wing for compact stowage and was the United States’ principal carrier-based fighter plane until Grumman’s F6F Hellcat entered service in 1943. The F6F showed the bulky, ungainly, teardrop-shaped lines for…
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With the F4F Wildcat, introduced in 1940, Grumman switched to monoplane construction. The F4F featured a folding wing for compact stowage and was the United States’ principal carrier-based fighter plane until Grumman’s F6F Hellcat entered service in 1943. The F6F showed the bulky, ungainly, teardrop-shaped lines for…
Read More