Martlet Mk II AJ148 of No. 888 Squadron FAA Oran
The Grumman Martlet Mk. II (Model G-36A) was a significant variant of the Wildcat series used by the Royal Navy during World War II. This version incorporated improvements over the earlier Martlet Mk. I, including the introduction of folding wings in most units, making it more suitable for carrier operations.
Key Specifications and Features:
- First Flight: October 1, 1940
- Number Built: 90 aircraft
- Royal Navy Serial Numbers:
- AJ100 through AJ153 (54 units)
- AM964 through AM999 (36 units)
Dimensions:
- Span: 38 feet
- Wing Area: 260 square feet
- Length: 29 feet 1 inch
- Height: 11 feet 9 inches
Powerplant:
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C-4G Twin Wasp, a 14-cylinder twin-row radial air-cooled engine producing 1,200 horsepower at takeoff.
- Supercharger: Single-stage/two-speed
- Propeller: Curtiss 3-blade constant-pitch
Armament:
- Guns:
- The first 10 aircraft were armed with four .50 caliber machine guns in the wings.
- The remaining 80 aircraft were equipped with six .50 caliber machine guns.
Weight:
- Empty Weight: 5,345 pounds
- Gross Weight: 7,512 pounds
Performance:
- Maximum Speed: 293 miles per hour at 13,000 feet
- Normal Range: 890 miles
- Service Ceiling: 31,000 feet
- Initial Rate of Climb: Unknown
Operational Features:
- Folding Wings: Except for the first ten aircraft, the Martlet Mk. II had folding wings, reducing the wingspan to 14 feet 4 inches when folded. This feature made it more efficient for storage and operations aboard aircraft carriers.
- Designation: The Martlet Mk. II was later re-designated as the Wildcat Mk. II as part of a standardization effort with the United States Navy.
Summary:
The Grumman Martlet Mk. II was an evolution of the earlier Martlet Mk. I, featuring improved armament and folding wings that enhanced its operational flexibility aboard British aircraft carriers. Despite a slightly lower top speed compared to its predecessor, it played a vital role in defending convoys and engaging enemy aircraft during the early years of the war. The introduction of folding wings was a critical upgrade, allowing the Royal Navy to maximize the use of limited deck space on their carriers.