Originally posted by lazs2
whenever I see Fm2's or spits or hurris I know that I will at least get a fight....
they don't have any choice.
lazs
Very true.
I've had some real humdinger fights with Grunherz in the CT, Grun in the Hurri IIC, me in the FM-2.
Ultimately, the FM-2 proved to be the better airplane, and it had to be due to those Hispanos on the Hurri. I believe that the FM-2 generated the best k/s during the recent Finn/Russ set up, which speaks volumes considering that the majority of its opposition were La-5s, Yaks and Hurricane IICs. One of the dumbest things that some Yak and Lavochkin pilots will do when faced with an FM-2 on their tail is to begin to scissor. That's certain death against the Wildcat.
I've read some statements attributed to veteran Japanese pilots who upon encountering the FM-2 for the first time, were horrified to discover that this Wildcat was far more capable than the old F4F-4. Most Japanese Naval pilots feared the Hellcat more than any other U.S. fighter. This was due to its overall performance and the ability to pound their Zeros energy into the ground, then kill them almost at their leisure. Running into Wildcats caused them to rejoice that they finally had the better fighter. Then, quite unexpectedly, they discovered that this Wildcat did everything better than the older model, and was able to follow the late-model Zero through any gyration the Japanese pilots attempted. According to one Japanese pilot, this was a most sobering experience.
You are also correct that the vast majority of players flying the FM-2 seem to lack the basic skills to exploit the little fighter's wonderful maneuverability. Being able to latch onto one with an La-5 and stay there indicates that the pilot was clueless. Yet, the little flying tank sucked up about 30 SHvak hits before finally losing its tail! I had a similar experience with an F6F. Grumman Ironworks indeed!!!
My regards,
Widewing
