FF-1/F2F/F3F
The first of the line that was eventually to become the F4F Wildcat started with the (by today's standards) goofy looking FF-1, often referred to as "Fifi". This was followed by the F2F (of which unfortunately there are no survivors) through the F3F. This aircraft starred in at least two movies: 1940's Flight Command and a year later in Dive Bomber. Watching those movies on TV as a kid got me interested in the little fighter. This aircraft evolved into the F4F, which in its earliest design was a biplane.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
F4F/FM Wildcat & Martlet
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Pima Air and Space Museum
has acquired an FM-2 (16161) that ditched in Lake Michigan
during WWII. It will take some time before this
Wildcat is restored, but in the meantime it is displayed in
one of the museum's hangars. The pilot bailed out and
was recovered, but some of his personal items were still in
the aircraft when recovered. Note that this airframe
was delivered in the three tone color scheme and only
later repainted in the overall Sea Blue scheme.
February, 2005. The second photo taken in August, 2010
shows the rudder and elevators replaced after they were
restored. Restored, or reproduced items will be
repainted while unrestored parts will be left in "as found"
condition. The final two photos show the progress in
March, 2014. (CB)
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
FM-2 16278 displayed at the Flying
Leathernecks Museum adjacent to MCAS Mirimar during
November, 2013. This small museum hosts a good
selection of USMC aircraft supported by a group of dedicated
volunteers. 16278 was displayed on the ramp at the
2019 MCAS Miramar airshow, now carrying markings to honor
Joe Foss. He had obtained his 26 kills flying F4F-4
Wildcats. (CB)
The story of the Wildcat would not be complete without the mention of the F6F Hellcat.
F6F Hellcat
![]() |
![]() |
The history of the Hellcat is outside
of the scope of this endeavor at the moment, but it has to
be mentioned when discussing the Wildcat.
A Wildcat doing Wildcat things...
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Clifford
Bossie
Page
created 12-12-01