AERO 119 Grumman F4F-3 a F4F-3A Wildcat – Šnajdr Miroslav (2025)

The US Navy's Journey to the Fighter Monoplane

The Grumman F4F Wildcat carrier fighter aircraft became a true legend during its long and highly successful service, despite the fact that by 1941-42 it was no longer at the cutting edge of aviation technology. It gained fame primarily on the Pacific battlefield in the hands of naval aviators (US Navy) and the aviation of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Another significant user of the F4F fighters was the British Fleet Air Arm. The serial production of Wildcats ran in several versions and by 1945 produced around 7,900 units. The parent company built only 1,540 units by May 1943 and then switched to producing the more powerful F6F Hellcats. A large portion of the aircraft was thus produced under license by General Motors Co.

In this publication, we will explore the broader circumstances of the creation and history of the initial variants of the Wildcat with fixed wings, which were put into service with the US Navy and USMC, the Grumman F4F-3 and F4F-3A.