World War Photos

Grumman XF4F-4 BuNo 1897 30 August 1941

The Grumman XF4F-4 Wildcat was a significant development in the Wildcat series, marking the introduction of folding wings to the aircraft. This feature was designed to optimize the storage of Wildcats aboard aircraft carriers, a crucial factor during World War II when maximizing the number of aircraft on a carrier was of great importance.

Grumman XF4F-4 Wildcat Overview:

1. Development and Background:

   • The XF4F-4 was developed as an improved version of the F4F-3 Wildcat, with the most notable change being the introduction of folding wings. This innovation allowed the aircraft’s wings to fold upwards, reducing its span from 38 feet to just 14 feet 4 inches, which significantly increased the number of aircraft that could be stored on an aircraft carrier.
   • The folding wing mechanism on this prototype was operated hydraulically, but the system was later deemed too heavy for its function. As a result, subsequent production models of the F4F-4 were fitted with a manual wing-folding system.

2. First Flight:

   • The XF4F-4 Wildcat made its first flight in April 1941.

3. Production Details:

   • Total Number Built: 1 unit (prototype)
   • USN Bureau Number: 1897

4. Physical Characteristics:

   • Wingspan: 38 feet (14 feet 4 inches with wings folded)
   • Wing Area: 260 square feet
   • Length: 28 feet 9 inches
   • Height: 11 feet 11 inches

5. Powerplant and Propulsion:

   • The XF4F-4 was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 Twin Wasp engine, a 14-cylinder, twin-row radial air-cooled engine.
   • The engine produced 1,200 horsepower at takeoff and 1,000 horsepower at 19,000 feet. It was equipped with a two-stage/two-speed supercharger for improved performance at higher altitudes.
   • The aircraft used a Curtiss 3-blade constant-speed propeller with a 9-foot 9-inch diameter.

6. Armament:

   • The XF4F-4 was armed with four .50 caliber Browning machine guns mounted in the wings.

7. Weight and Performance:

   • Empty Weight: 5,776 pounds
   • Gross Weight: 7,489 pounds
   • Maximum Speed: 326 miles per hour at 19,500 feet
   • Normal Range: Data not specified
   • Initial Climb Rate: 1,900 feet per minute
   • Service Ceiling: 34,000 feet

8. Operational History:

   • The XF4F-4 Wildcat served as the prototype for what would become the F4F-4, a variant that saw extensive use by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during World War II. The decision to switch from a hydraulic to a manual wing-folding mechanism in subsequent models was a direct result of the lessons learned from this prototype.
   • The folding wings were a critical innovation, allowing carriers to operate more aircraft and thereby increasing their combat effectiveness.