Type: single-seat carrier-based fighter
Powerplant: one 895-kW (1200-hp) Wright R-1830-36 Cyclone radial piston engine
Maximum speed: 512 km/h (317 mph)
Crusing speed: 249 km/h (154 mph)
Range: 1239 km (768 miles)
Service ceiling: 12,010 m (39,400 ft)
Weights: empty 2612 kg (5746 lb); maximum take-off 3607 kg (7935 lb)
Armament: six fixed 12.7-mm (.50-cal) Browning air-cooled machine guns with 240 rounds per gun plus two 45-kg (100-lb) bombs
Dimensions:
Span: 11.60 m (38 ft)
Length: 8.50 m (28 ft)
Height: 3.60 m (12 ft)
Wing area: 24.15 m2 (260 sq ft)
This museum treasure represents the WWII American fighter that took on the Japanese Zero during the outbreak of war in the Pacific. Placed in service only months before Pearl Harbor, the Wildcat delivered crucial blows to the enemy at Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal. Perhaps the most famous F4F pilot was Edward "Butch" O'Hare. In February of 1942, launched from the carrier LEXINGTON (CV-2), O'Hare and his Wildcat were in great peril as the only thing standing between the carrier and as many as nine attacking Japanese bombers. Roaring full throttle into the enemy's formation, O'Hare shot down five of the bombers. Other Wildcats joined the fight defending LEXINGTON from the rest of the bombers. For his bravery and amazing skill, O'Hare was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
On the night of November 27, 1943, "Butch" O'Hare was killed during aerial combat.
In 1946, Chicago's Orchard Field Airport was renamed O'Hare (International) Airport in honor of the WWII ace.
Back to Planes & Flight Deck
|
Search
Facts & Information
The USS Yorktown is nearly 900 feet in length, weighing in at more than 27,000 tons.
|
