Initially accepted by the US Navy in preference to Grumman’s XF4F-2 was the Brewster XF2A-1 Buffalo. This was the Navy’s first monoplane fighter.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Brewster F2A Buffalo / B-239 - СШАUSA - 1937

FM-2 of a US Navy Stateside training unit, late 1944.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

HVAR rocket equipped FM-2 of VC-88, assigned to the USS ‘Hoggatt Bay’, December 1944 - February 1945.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

FM-2 of VC-10, as operated from the USS ‘Fanshaw Bay’, July 1945.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Caught close to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during the EAA Convention 1995, F4F-3 N3210D (BuAer 12296) and F4F-3 N12260 (BuAer 12260) formate on the camera. Both ditched into Lake Michigan (June 1943 and May 1944 respectively) and were salvaged in 1991. The lake has been a rich source of Wildcats, all in amazing condition, these two taking to the air again in June 1995 and July 1994 respectively.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Wildcat pair formate over the skies of Oshkosh

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Прототип XF4F-2 (BuNo.0383) был похож на бочку еще больше, чем его предшественники F2F и F3F. Обратите внимание на скругленную форму киля, передняя кромка которого перпендикулярна фюзеляжу.
The prototype XF4F-2, BuNo 0383 with R-1830-66 driving the original 10ft (3m) propeller, 1937.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Pre-delivery shot of the one of 95 F4F-3As (BuNo 3906). The variant was powered by an R-1830-90.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Grumman XF4F-3 (BuNo 0383) in 1940 with large experimental spinner, revised empennage and natural metal finish.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Новый "Уайлдкэт" F4F-4 летал еще хуже своего предшественника F4F-3.
US Navy F4F-4 in earlier wartime markings and with standard manually-operated folding wings.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

XF4F-8 BuNo 12228 evolved into the FM-2 with taller fin and rudder. It is seen here at Bethpage in November 1943.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Busy ramp scene with FM-2 BuNo 47152 from the second production batch.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

The definitive production version of the Wildcat, the General Motors-built FM-2.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

The XF4F-2 in 1938 with smaller diameter propeller and spinner with a 100lb (45.3kg) bomb under each wing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

BuNo 0383 in XF4F-3 guise running up its XR-1830-76. It made its first flight on December 2, 1939.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

The changing profile of the Wildcat prototype, BuNo 0383. Top to bottom: XF4F-2 as first flown 1937; XF4F-2 1938; following conversion to XF4F-3 guise, early 1939; late 1939; and 1940 as tested at Langley Field.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F4F Wildcat - СШАUSA - 1937

Genesis of the F4F monoplane is apparent here in Grumman’s last biplane fighter for the US Navy. This XF3F-3 prototype (BuNo 1031) and 27 production machines were built in 1938.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F3F - СШАUSA - 1935