Grumman F4F Wildcat

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' standard carrier fighter at the start of World War II. First flown in 1937 and entering service in 1940, the stocky, barrel-bodied Wildcat was outturned by the more agile Japanese Zero but proved tough and well-armed, and its pilots developed tactics such as the 'Thach Weave' to fight effectively. Wildcats bore the brunt of early Pacific carrier battles, including Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal, and also served with the Royal Navy as the Martlet.

Later, smaller escort carriers continued operating Wildcats throughout the war. Around 8,000 were built, including General Motors-produced FM variants. Though superseded as a frontline fighter by the F6F Hellcat, it remained vital aboard escort carriers to the war's end.