DISCLAIMER:This item is subject for inventory availability verification.There may be cases where you have been able to order a product and we will run out of stock before we can update our store. In the event of this case, our customer service team will contact and notify you via email. 

Scale: 1/32
Wingspan: 10.75"
Length: 14.25"
Code: AF4FT

This version was less popular with American pilots because the same amount of ammunition was spread over two additional guns, decreasing firing time. With the F4F-3's four 50-caliber guns and 450 rounds per gun, pilots had 34 seconds of firing time; six guns decreased ammunition to 240 rounds per gun, which could be expended in less than 20 seconds. The increase to six guns was attributed to the Royal Navy, who wanted greater firepower to deal with German and Italian foes. Jimmy Thach is quoted as saying, "A pilot who cannot hit with four guns will miss with eight."

Extra guns and folding wings meant extra weight, and reduced performance: the F4F-4 was capable of only about 318 mph (512 km/h) at 19,400 ft (5,900 m) Rate of climb was noticeably worse in the F4F-4, while Grumman optimistically claimed the F4F-4 could climb at a modest 1,950 ft (590 m) per minute, in combat conditions, pilots found their F4F-4s capable of ascending at only 500 to 1,000 feet (300 m) per minute. Moreover, the F4F-4's folding wing was intended to allow five F4F-4s to be stowed in the space required by two F4F-3s. In practice, the folding wings allowed an increase of about 50% in the number of Wildcats carried aboard U.S. fleet aircraft carriers. A variant of the F4F-4, designated F4F-4B for contractual purposes, was supplied to the British with a modified cowling and Wright Cyclone engine. These aircraft received the designation of Martlet IV.

This collectable model F4-F Wildcat represents the Navy’s front-line carrier-based fighter in the early days of World War II. Outclassed in performance by the Japanese Zero, its rugged construction coupled with innovative tactics gave the F4-F Wildcat a good success rate against enemy fighters. Painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by skilled craftsmen using a wealth of detail, this 1/32-scale model Navy F4-F Wildcat makes a great gift for any veteran, aviation enthusiast or history buff.