F4F-3

[Saxman]

This would be a relatively quick and easy add. The F4F-4 with the 4-gun option IS NOT an F4F-3. It's an FM-1 (license-built version of the -4 which removed the outer guns, but was otherwise the same aircraft). The F4F-3 lacked folding wings and was lighter than the -4, giving it much improved handling characteristics, a higher top speed, and greater rate of climb. Navy and Marine pilots preferred the -3 over the -4 both because of the superior performance.

[Vraciu]

+1

The -3 would be a fun ride.

[perdue3]

Martlet Mk. I is better.

[Saxman]

Martlet Mk. I is better.

The Martlet I had a single-stage supercharger like the F4F-3A, which had markedly inferior performance and reduced service ceiling vs. the F4F-3's two-stage, two-speed supercharger.

[ONTOS]

 Big +1. Would love to see it.

[Slade]

+1

[whiteman]

More planes is always good

[perdue3]

The Martlet I had a single-stage supercharger like the F4F-3A, which had markedly inferior performance and reduced service ceiling vs. the F4F-3's two-stage, two-speed supercharger.

Better is relative, just as beauty is.

[Saxman]

Except when you’re talking about quantifiable details like performance. :-P

[perdue3]

Except when you’re talking about quantifiable details like performance. :-P

I disagree.

[Saxman]

I disagree.

Then WHY will it be better even though the F4F-3 significantly outperforms it?

[perdue3]

Then WHY will it be better even though the F4F-3 significantly outperforms it?

Because we have the F4F-4 and do not need a slightly different model. Truth be told, we do not need another Wildcat model at all, -3 or Martlet. But, if we are definitely adding one, we need an early one (G-36A, Martlet Mk. I), not an F4F-3. In my opinion, the Martlet Mk. I would be better for Aces High than a F4F-3.

[Greebo]

While I'm all for more Brit-related stuff in AH there's a couple of problems with modelling the Martlet Mk I. First these were 80 aircraft taken over from a French order in 1940 with a 9 cylinder Wright engine rather than a 14 cylinder Pratt and Whitney. As they lacked folding wings the Royal Navy didn't employ them on their carriers but instead used them mostly for training and for defending shore bases like Scapa Flow. The first variant used in significant numbers and off of RN carriers was the six gun folding wing Mk II, similar to the F4F-4 we already have. The F4F-3 was a much more significant variant historically, being the main USN fighter prior to Midway at battles like Coral Sea. It would make a better match up to the A6M2 in scenarios than the heavier F4F-4.

From HTC's POV an F4F-3 would just require a few bulges on the 3D model to be deleted, the removal of the six gun load out option and some weight and armour removed from the flight model. A Martlet Mk I would require all this plus a new cowl shape and the 3D model of the 9 cylinder engine from the FM-2 transplanted onto it. The flight model would also need more work due to the different engine power curve and drag.

[Saxman]

While I'm all for more Brit-related stuff in AH there's a couple of problems with modelling the Martlet Mk I. First these were 80 aircraft taken over from a French order in 1940 with a 9 cylinder Wright engine rather than a 14 cylinder Pratt and Whitney. As they lacked folding wings the Royal Navy didn't employ them on their carriers but instead used them mostly for training and for defending shore bases like Scapa Flow. The first variant used in significant numbers and off of RN carriers was the six gun folding wing Mk II, similar to the F4F-4 we already have. The F4F-3 was a much more significant variant historically, being the main USN fighter prior to Midway at battles like Coral Sea. It would make a better match up to the A6M2 in scenarios than the heavier F4F-4.

From HTC's POV an F4F-3 would just require a few bulges on the 3D model to be deleted, the removal of the six gun load out option and some weight and armour removed from the flight model. A Martlet Mk I would require all this plus a new cowl shape and the 3D model of the 9 cylinder engine from the FM-2 transplanted onto it. The flight model would also need more work due to the different engine power curve and drag.

The -3 was also the variant flown by the Marine squadrons on Guadalcanal, and saw the bulk of the fighting. The only -4s were brought in by Navy squadrons.

[ONTOS]

We have four P-40's that are practically the same, so what's the deference in another Wildcat.