Hi Z6,
>What is the FM2???
The FM-2 was the series version of a fighter designed by Grummen as the XF4F-8. "F" is the US Navy code for fighter, "M" is the US Navy code for the Eastern Aircraft Division (a branch of General Motors). "-2" means it was the second subversion of the "FM" fighter, the FM-1 being identical to the Grumman F4F-4.
The background: When Grumman came up with the F6F Hellcat, a fighter urgently needed to replace the obsolescent F4F Wildcat, their factories were busy producing the F4F and the TBF Avenger. General Motors founded Eastern Aircraft to take over production of these types so Grumman could mass produce the F6F.
The F4F was built as FM-1 and FM-2 (though obsolete as a fighter, it still proved useful as a fighter bomber capable of operating from the small escort carriers). Likewise, the TBF was built as TBM.
Regards,
Henning (HoHun)
