Eastern Aircraft Division (General Motors) FM-2 Wildcat
The Hickory Aviation Museum’s FM-2 Wildcat, Bureau Number 16278 is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum. Coordinated by Kregg Kirby.
Built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors, the FM-2 Wildcat essentially is an improved version of the famous Grumman F4F-4. Recognized by its taller fin than the F4F, the FM-2 was also modified to include an improved power plant, increased ammunition capacity by reducing its armament from six .50-inch machine guns to four, and improved directional stability with a modified fin. It was nicknamed the “Wilder Wildcat.”
| Manufacturer | Eastern Aircraft Division(GM) |
| Designer | Grumman Aircraft |
| First flight | 02 September 1937 (F4F) |
| Primary users | United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy |
| Produced | 1943-1945 (FM1/2) |
| Number built | 5,837 of 7,825 Total Wildcats |
| Propulsion | 1 Wright R-1820-65 |
| Developed | from Grumman F4F Wildcat |
| Variants | Various |
Crew: One
Length: 28 ft 11 in
Wingspan: 28 ft
Height: 11 ft 5 in
Wing area: 260 sq ft
Empty weight: 5,448 lb
Loaded weight: 8,271 lb
Powerplant: 1 × 1,350 hp. Wright R-1820-65
Maximum speed: 332 mph at 28,000 ft
Cruise speed: 164 mph
Range: 900 miles
Service ceiling: 34,700 ft
Rate of climb: 3,650 ft/min
Armament: Four .5-in. machine guns; two 250 lb. bombs or six 5-in. rockets
