The FM-1/FM-2 remained in production primarily in order to have a fighter that wasn't too large for the growing fleet of escort carriers. Available deck length made operating the F6F, and especially the F4U, problematic.
There is no question that the Navy preferred the F6F for several key reasons. Range, greater speed and payload are at the top of the list.
Nonetheless, the test results of 1944's Joint Fighter Conference concluded that the FM-2 was the best fighter in the American inventory for combat below 10,000 ft. In terms of turn rate, the F4U-1D had a 212% larger turn radius than the FM-2, with the F6F-5 coming in at 137%.
With regard to climb rate, only the F4U-4 climbed better than the FM-2, getting to 20,000 ft just 35 seconds faster than the FM-2 and 45 seconds faster than the F4F-3 (of 1940 vintage).
Other factors contributed to the FM-2's good low level performance, such as having the best (meaning lowest) power loading of any U.S. fighter at sea level at 5.94 pounds/hp. The mighty P-51D came in at 6.83 pounds/hp at sea level. I have seen some estimations of FM-2 acceleration, and below 10,000 ft it would accelerate faster than the F4U-4 up until about 300 mph, where drag began to severely limit speed and acceleration.
Dive acceleration was very good as well. During operations in North Africa, some Luftwaffe pilots flying early Bf 109Gs were horrified to discover that FAA Martlet MkII and USN F4F-4s could dive with their Gustavs!
Ultimately, the single greatest drawbacks of the FM-2 are its lack of speed and weak engine performance above 15,000 feet.
As to ruggedness. Marine pilots loved their Corsairs, but lamented the loss of the Wildcat's superior resistance to battle damage. Can anyone imagine a P-51 surviving a 12+ G pullout? Wildcats could not only survive such punishment, but do so without serious damage. Add to this very basic and simple systems and you have just about the toughest fighter ever to take wing.
Additionally, you have to factor in that the Wildcat is a very small fighter, and consequently, a very small target.
It will turn with the A6M5, especially if only carrying 50% fuel. It will generally out-turn the Spitfire Mk.V too.
Indeed, there is no better fighter to CAP a CV. And yes Shane, when you’re alone and being swarmed by a dozen red icons, one may dive into the ack. Unless, like you, they prefer simply to get ganged. As it is, when alone there’s no more reliable wingman than ship ack. Moreover, it’s not macho to get ganged, just stupid if you can prevent it.
My regards,
Widewing
