Having both the F4F-4 and the FM-2 should really liven up the early war plane set! The FM-2 especially should provide an interesting opponent for the Zero.
In late 1942 a capture Zero 52 was flown in tests against the FM-2 by the Technical Air Intelligence Center at NAS Anacostia, Maryland. The published reports of the results make for some fascinating reading;
"In climbs, the Zero was about 400 fpm less than that of the Wildcat starting at sea level, becoming equal at 4,000 ft, and 400fpm better at 8,000 ft. Climbs became equal again passing 13,000 ft, and the Zero was only slightly inferior above 13,000 ft. Best climb speeds of the FM-2 and Zero were 138mph and 122mph, IAS, respectively.
The FM-2 was 6mph faster than the Zero at sea level, becoming 4mph slower at 5,000ft and dropping to 26mph slower at 30,000. Top speeds attained were 321mph TAS at 13,000 for the FM-2, and 335mph at 18,000ft for the Zero. Rate of roll of the two fighters was equal at 184mph and under. The Zero became inferior at higher speeds due to heavy stick forces. Turns of the Fm-2 and Zero were very similar, with a slight advantage in favor of the Zero 52. The Zero could gain one turn in eight at 10,000ft.
The Zero was slightly superior to the FM-2 in initial dive acceleration, after which the divers were about the same. Zooms after dives were about equal for the two aircraft."
I found some of these statistics quite surprising, in light of some of the beliefs commonly held about fighter vs. fighter combat between Wildcat and Zero. However, the FM-2 was 500 pounds lighter than the F4F-4 and had more horsepower. Dogfights between it and the Zero should prove to be very interesting in Aces High.
Regards, Shuckins
