*EXPECTED FEB 2024 - FOR PRE ORDER ONLY*Based upon our popular 1/48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat (Item 61034), this kit authentically recreates the FM-1 featuring four machine guns with both the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy markings and one sitting pilot figure.
The deployment of the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, which was one of the main U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter, started in 1940, and in 1942, the F4F-4 was introduced into service. This aircraft employed a foldable wing for efficient use on flight decks while 12.7mm machine guns were increased from four to six. With its bullet proofing, rigid fuselage and its pilots' tactics, the F4F-F was more than equal to the Zero fighter. Although the F4F-F gave its position to aircraft equipped with 2,000hp-class engine such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair after WWII onward, this aircraft, which was suitable for use on small flight decks, constructed its presence as the aircraft to be deployed on escort carrier and to enhance air force. While the Grumman focused on the F6F production, Eastern Air Lines took over the production of the F4F-4 variant which was called as the FM and its first production variant FM-1 was mostly the same as the F4F-4 except for decreased (from six to four) machine guns. The Wildcat was introduced to the Royal Navy and was known as the Martlet (fictitious bird often seen in the English coats of arms). This aircraft continued to see action as anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort until the end of war.
