World War Photos

FM-2 Wildcat D6 Judy of VC-14 on the flight deck of the escort carrier USS Hoggatt Bay CVE-75 Philippines 22 November 1944

The General Motors FM-2 Wildcat was the most widely produced variant of the Wildcat series and represented a significant evolution in the design, making it a more powerful and effective aircraft in its role as a carrier-based fighter during World War II.

General Motors FM-2 Wildcat Overview:

1. Development and Background:

   • The FM-2 was developed as an improved version of the FM-1 Wildcat, with a more powerful engine and various design enhancements to increase performance, particularly for operations from smaller escort carriers.
   • It became the most prolific version of the Wildcat, with a total of 4,777 units produced.

2. First Flight:

   • The FM-2 Wildcat first took to the skies in 1943.

3. Production Details:

   • Total Number Built: 4,777 units
   • USN Bureau Numbers:
     • 15952 through 16791 (840 units)
     • 46838 through 47437 (600 units)
     • 55050 through 55649 (600 units)
     • 56684 through 57083 (400 units)
     • 73499 through 75158 (1,660 units)
     • 86297 through 86973 (677 units)
     • 86974 through 87719 (canceled)

4. Physical Characteristics:

   • Wingspan: 38 feet
   • Wing Area: 260 square feet
   • Length: 28 feet 10.6 inches
   • Height: 11 feet 9 inches

5. Powerplant and Propulsion:

   • The FM-2 was equipped with the Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone engine, a 9-cylinder single-row radial air-cooled engine producing 1,350 horsepower at takeoff.
   • This engine was fitted with a single-stage, two-speed supercharger. The water-injected R-1820-56W variant also produced the same horsepower but offered better performance under certain conditions.
   • The aircraft featured a Curtiss 3-blade constant-speed propeller.

6. Armament:

   • The FM-2 carried four .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the wings.
   • The last 826 aircraft produced were equipped with the capability to carry six 5-inch rockets under the wings, significantly enhancing their ground-attack capabilities.

7. Weight and Performance:

   • Empty Weight: 5,448 pounds
   • Gross Weight: 7,487 pounds
   • Maximum Weight: 8,271 pounds
   • Maximum Speed: 332 miles per hour at 28,800 feet; 306 miles per hour at sea level (Economical cruise speed was 164 miles per hour)
   • Normal Range: 900 miles
   • Maximum Range: 1,310 miles
   • Initial Climb Rate: 3,650 feet per minute
   • Service Ceiling: 34,700 feet

8. Design and Modifications:

   • The FM-2 featured a higher rudder and vertical fin compared to earlier models. This modification was necessary to handle the increased horsepower of the Wright R-1820-56W engine, particularly during takeoff and wave-offs during carrier operations.
   • The aircraft maintained the robust and rugged design typical of Wildcats, making it highly durable and reliable in combat.

9. Operational History:

   • The FM-2 was primarily used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, but it also served with the British Royal Navy under the Lend-Lease program, where it was known as the Wildcat VI.
   • The FM-2 was well-suited for operations from escort carriers due to its smaller size, excellent low-speed handling, and ability to take off from shorter decks.
   • It played a crucial role in providing air cover for convoys and amphibious operations, particularly in the later years of the war.