F4F-4 - Revision history

U178117757: /* Flight performance */ AB and RB stock speed

2024-09-01T01:22:29Z

‎Flight performance: AB and RB stock speed

U38088265: Reverted edits by U178117757 (talk) to last revision by U44629479

2024-08-24T18:54:26Z

Reverted edits by U178117757 (talk) to last revision by U44629479

U178117757: AB Flight performance values

2024-08-24T15:33:25Z

AB Flight performance values

U44629479: Edits

2024-03-30T20:59:07Z

Edits

U2126463: /* Description */

2023-05-08T22:21:57Z

‎Description

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-11-20T15:43:59Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U44629479: Edits

2022-11-13T12:31:22Z

Edits

U44629479: /* Media */ Added Shooting Range episode

2022-05-08T19:09:36Z

‎Media: Added Shooting Range episode

U38088265: /* Details */

2022-02-21T17:40:31Z

‎Details

U3312106: /* Details */

2021-02-17T07:36:38Z

‎Details

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 |-
 ! Stock
-| 498 || 481 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.8 || 11.6 || 11.6 || rowspan="2" | 258
+| 497 || 480 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.8 || 11.6 || 11.6 || rowspan="2" | 258
 |-
 ! Upgraded
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 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f4f-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 210: / Line 211: @@
 ;Related development
 * [[F4F (Family)]]
 == External links ==
 ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 |-
 ! Upgraded
-| 539 || 517 || 18.7 || 19.9 || 16.0 || 14.0
+| 538 || 517 || 18.9 || 19.9 || 16.8 || 14.0
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 194: / Line 194: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f4f-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 211: / Line 210: @@
 ;Related development
 * [[F4F (Family)]]
 == External links ==
 ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 |-
 ! Upgraded
-| 538 || 517 || 18.9 || 19.9 || 16.8 || 14.0
+| 539 || 517 || 18.7 || 19.9 || 16.0 || 14.0
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 194: / Line 194: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f4f-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 210: / Line 211: @@
 ;Related development
 * [[F4F (Family)]]
 == External links ==
 ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The F4F-4 was a workhorse of US Naval aviation in the first years of World War II until the arrival of more powerful and advanced carrier based fighters such as F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair. F4F was initially designed as a competitor to Brewster F2A Buffalo, but lost the contract. Although slower, the more manoeuverable Buffalo was chosen. Grumman then redesigned his XF4F-2 prototype into what was to become a F4F-3 Wildcat. The Wildcat was inferior to A6M Zero used by Japanese in the Pacific Theatre in most aspects. Unlike the A6M, it was heavily armored which allowed the fighter to take significant damage and still return to its carrier. Jimmy Thach developed a tactic for Wildcat pilots fighting Zeros which consisted of using altitude advantage and hit and run attacks on the Japanese fighters. Unlike the F4F-3, the F4F-4 featured Grumman patented Sto-Wing folding wing system where the wings folded behind the aircraft, saving valuable space on the carriers. Another change was installing two additional .50 cal machine guns into the wing, total of six. Unfortunately the ammunition amount stayed the same, so instead of 450 rpg, pilots had only 240 rpg at their disposal. Installing the extra guns and folding wings came at cost of performance decrease as the extra weight slowed down the plane to max speed of about 512 km/h at 5900 m.
+The F4F-4 was a workhorse of US Naval aviation in the first years of World War II until the arrival of more powerful and advanced carrier based fighters such as F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair. F4F was initially designed as a competitor to Brewster F2A Buffalo, but lost the contract. Although slower, the more manoeuvrable Buffalo was chosen. Grumman then redesigned his XF4F-2 prototype into what was to become a F4F-3 Wildcat. The Wildcat was inferior to A6M Zero used by Japanese in the Pacific Theatre in most aspects. Unlike the A6M, it was heavily armoured which allowed the fighter to take significant damage and still return to its carrier. Jimmy Thach developed a tactic for Wildcat pilots fighting Zeros which consisted of using altitude advantage and hit and run attacks on the Japanese fighters. Unlike the F4F-3, the F4F-4 featured Grumman patented Sto-Wing folding wing system where the wings folded behind the aircraft, saving valuable space on the carriers. Another change was installing two additional .50 cal machine guns into the wing, total of six. Unfortunately the ammunition amount stayed the same, so instead of 450 rpg, pilots had only 240 rpg at their disposal. Installing the extra guns and folding wings came at cost of performance decrease as the extra weight slowed down the plane to max speed of about 512 km/h at 5900 m.
-The F4F-4 has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The F4F-4 is nimble, heavily armoured and heavily armed fighter compared to its contemporaries. It cannot achieve speeds higher than its foes, although it is possible to utilize the sheer weight of the plane to gain speed for fast boom & zoom attacks on the foes under your aircraft. Due to abysmall climb rate, side climbing is advised.
+The F4F-4 has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The F4F-4 is nimble, heavily armoured and heavily armed fighter compared to its contemporaries. It cannot achieve speeds higher than its foes, although it is possible to utilize the sheer weight of the plane to gain speed for fast boom & zoom attacks on the foes under your aircraft. Due to abysmal climb rate, side climbing is advised.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 183: / Line 183: @@
 The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.
-The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armoured. Other armoured areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
+The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 metres when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armoured. Other armoured areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
 The F4F-4 entered service in 1942, but the pilots were disappointed with the new model. It had greater survivability when compared with the F4F-3 but had significantly lower performance characteristics. Also, its gun ammunition was reduced and could be depleted in less than 20 seconds, which also evoked a negative response from pilots.
@@ Line 197: / Line 197: @@
 ;Images
-<gallery mode="packed-hover"  heights="200">
+<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 File:F4F-4 Reworked Model.jpg|<small>Reworked model of the {{PAGENAME}}</small>
 </gallery>

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+The F4F-4 was a workhorse of US Naval aviation in the first years of World War II until the arrival of more powerful and advanced carrier based fighters such as F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair. F4F was initially designed as a competitor to Brewster F2A Buffalo, but lost the contract. Although slower, the more manoeuverable Buffalo was chosen. Grumman then redesigned his XF4F-2 prototype into what was to become a F4F-3 Wildcat. The Wildcat was inferior to A6M Zero used by Japanese in the Pacific Theatre in most aspects. Unlike the A6M, it was heavily armored which allowed the fighter to take significant damage and still return to its carrier. Jimmy Thach developed a tactic for Wildcat pilots fighting Zeros which consisted of using altitude advantage and hit and run attacks on the Japanese fighters. Unlike the F4F-3, the F4F-4 featured Grumman patented Sto-Wing folding wing system where the wings folded behind the aircraft, saving valuable space on the carriers. Another change was installing two additional .50 cal machine guns into the wing, total of six. Unfortunately the ammunition amount stayed the same, so instead of 450 rpg, pilots had only 240 rpg at their disposal. Installing the extra guns and folding wings came at cost of performance decrease as the extra weight slowed down the plane to max speed of about 512 km/h at 5900 m.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 176: / Line 176: @@
 Many pilots disliked the F4F-4, because despite having two more guns the F4F-4 had the same amount of ammunition as earlier models. The 1,800 rounds of ammunition had just been distributed between the guns; the F4F-3 had 450 rounds per gun but the F4F-4 only had 240, decreasing firing time by almost 50%. The extra guns had been added per Royal Navy request. Additionally, the extra guns and folding wings increased weight and therefore decreased performance. The F4F-4 had a lower top speed and climb rate than the F4F-3. As well, the folding wings only allowed an increase of F4F Wildcats in a carrier wing by only 50% - much lower than was hoped.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.
@@ Line 184: / Line 186: @@
 All in all, 1,169 F4F-4s were constructed.
 == Media ==

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
-The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high altitude. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.
+The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2s which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high altitude. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.
 The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.
+As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 m where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.
-As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the dreaded J2M2. '''Do not engage with any of these targets!''' All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.
+As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4s and F-1s, C. 202ECs and C. 205s, Zeroes and the dreaded J2M2. Do not engage with any of these targets. All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.
 When encountering enemies, there are some that should be highlighted as dangerous to the F4F-4's well-being.
-* BF 109's: The legendary Messerschmitts out climb you, outrun you and in some cases, outturn you. E-4's and F-1's are the most common versions you will come across, but you can face the F-4 which is entirely superior. You can outturn the E-4, but be wary of its twin MG FF/M carrying the volatile minengeschoß round. However, do not engage with the F-1, as it turns better and is faster than you while still mounting a single MG FF/M which only needs to land a few shots before downing you and the same goes for the F-4 which mounts the more powerful MG 151.
+* BF 109s: The legendary Messerschmitts out climb you, outrun you and in some cases, outturn you. Bf 109 E-4s and F-1s are the most common versions you will come across, but you can face the F-4 which is entirely superior. You can outturn the E-4, but be wary of its twin MG FF/M carrying the volatile minengeschoß round. However, do not engage with the F-1, as it turns better and is faster than you while still mounting a single MG FF/M which only needs to land a few shots before downing you and the same goes for the F-4 which mounts the more powerful MG 151.
-* A6M2's: Zeroes are an interesting opponent to fight, but are easily countered. Zeroes turn better than almost every plane in the game but are painfully slow, so abuse their low speed to Boom-N-Zoom them, but be careful about their two 20mm cannons which can still down you as you fly away.
+* A6M2s: Zeroes are an interesting opponent to fight, but are easily countered. Zeroes turn better than almost every plane in the game but are painfully slow, so abuse their low speed to Boom-N-Zoom them, but be careful about their two 20 mm cannons which can still down you as you fly away.
-* J2M2's: The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.
+* J2M2s: The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20 mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.
 === Manual Engine Control ===
@@ Line 179: / Line 179: @@
 The Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat was a single-engine all-metal construction plane in the F4F series.
-The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armored. Other armored areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
+The F4F-4 increased the number of 12.7 mm machine guns to six and was built with manually folding wings. Wingspan was decreased from 11.5 to 4.36 meters when the wings were folded, allowing 50% more aircraft to be held on a carrier. The plane's ruggedness was also much improved. To protect the pilot, bulletproof glass was installed and the area under the pilot's seat was armoured. Other armoured areas were improved, fuel tank protection was increased, and the oil radiators under the wings were better protected, as well. The engine was replaced. The F4F-3 model had a two-stage supercharger, but those engines were in high demand for the production of B-17 bombers, so engines with single-stage superchargers were used instead for the F4F-4.
 The F4F-4 entered service in 1942, but the pilots were disappointed with the new model. It had greater survivability when compared with the F4F-3 but had significantly lower performance characteristics. Also, its gun ammunition was reduced and could be depleted in less than 20 seconds, which also evoked a negative response from pilots.
-All in all, 1169 F4F-4s were constructed.
+All in all, 1,169 F4F-4s were constructed.
 == Media ==
@@ Line 200: / Line 200: @@
 == See also ==
-''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
-* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+;Related development
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+* [[F4F (Family)]]
 == External links ==
 ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''
 {{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 {{USA fighters}}

@@ Line 187: / Line 187: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 ;Images
+<gallery mode="packed-hover"  heights="200">
-[[File:F4F-4 Reworked Model.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Reworked model of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]
+File:F4F-4 Reworked Model.jpg|<small>Reworked model of the {{PAGENAME}}</small>
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|Kn5rIoPjHuA|'''The Shooting Range #118''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.}}
+{{Youtube-gallery|QvGHPYrGrXU|'''The Shooting Range #301''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:52 discusses the American ace Joe Foss.|Kn5rIoPjHuA|'''The Shooting Range #118''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F4F Wildcat.}}
 == See also ==

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 420 || ~13 || ~4
+| 826 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 420 || ~13 || ~4
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 |-
 | < 320 || < 390 || < 300 || > 200
 |-
 |}
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 '''Pros:'''
-* Decent maneuverability
+* Decent manoeuvrability
 * Fair roll rate
 * Extra pair of .50 M2 Browning machine guns, compared to the F4F-3
 * Can carry some payload
 * Can take some heavy punishment
 * Improved pilot protection, compared from the previous model
 * Good dive speed characteristics