F4F-3

[Saxman]

So with the Wildcats being remodeled, what about adding the F4F-3? And before anyone says it: An F4F-4 with the four-gun package is NOT an F4F-3.

The -3 was faster by about 20 mph, had a superior rate of climb, better acceleration, was lighter, had longer internal fuel range, and was more maneuverable. In fact most pilots hated the -4s and wanted their -3s back (Thach in particular was critical of the -4). Most of the Marine squadrons flew the -3 until they received their Corsairs, and it was the most representative type on Guadalcanal.

I'd say that the presence of the F4U-1A alongside the -1, which have a similar disparity in performance, justifies the addition of the -3.

[Ack-Ack]

Which F4F-3? The base model or the 3A with the 1200hp Pratt & Whitney engine with the single-stage two-speed supercharger?

[Saxman]

I'd use the standard -3. The -3A wasn't produced in particularly large numbers, and the only real difference was improved range at the expense of high-altitude performance.

[Owlblink]

+1

Though I can see how some will argue "just use the FM2."

[Ack-Ack]

+1

Though I can see how some will argue "just use the FM2."

The FM-2 is basically an updated F4F-4 that was built by Goodyear instead of Grumman.

[ONTOS]

+1 for the -3

[Saxman]

The FM-2 is basically an updated F4F-4 that was built by Goodyear instead of Grumman.

If you want to get technical I believe the FM-2 was an F4F-8.

[caldera]

+1   

[Saxman]

If you want to get technical I believe the FM-2 was an F4F-8.

Also, it was built by General Motors. Goodyear's manufacturer code was G.

[Greebo]

There is no separate F4F-3 model being planned as far as I know. If HTC give us a four gun option with the F4F-4, it is a question of whether it will represent an F4F-3 or an FM-1, the main difference being the FM-1 had the heavy folding wings and the F4F-3 didn't.

I'd have thought HTC could just adjust the weight of the four gun package to represent not having the folding mechanism. However I seem to recall some of the extra weight added to the F4F-4/FM-1 was armour and I'm not sure if the protection of this armour could be removed along with the weight of an F4F-3 gun package.

[Saxman]

There is no separate F4F-3 model being planned as far as I know. If HTC give us a four gun option with the F4F-4, it is a question of whether it will represent an F4F-3 or an FM-1, the main difference being the FM-1 had the heavy folding wings and the F4F-3 didn't.

I'd have thought HTC could just adjust the weight of the four gun package to represent not having the folding mechanism. However I seem to recall some of the extra weight added to the F4F-4/FM-1 was armour and I'm not sure if the protection of this armour could be removed along with the weight of an F4F-3 gun package.

There really is no question. The performance disparity between the two is great enough that a four gun F4F-4 would be an FM-1.

[trap78]

+1 for the F4F-3. A very good addition to the early war plane set.

[Devil 505]

I'going to give this a big

-1


For no other reason than that the with the 110 update there was a perfect opportunity to add the 110F - which is much more needed for events than the F4F-3.

No 110F, no F4F-3

[Saxman]

I'going to give this a big

-1


For no other reason than that the with the 110 update there was a perfect opportunity to add the 110F - which is much more needed for events than the F4F-3.

No 110F, no F4F-3

Someone sounds bitter. ;-)

[Devil 505]

Not bitter, Saxman. I'm just pointing out that new variants of planes being updated are already being passed over. Now should a F4F-3 be added with the Wildcat update, then I'd be very bitter.