EDU11175 WILDER CAT 1/48 Limited Edition.

The Limited edition of the kit of the US WWII aircraft carrier-based fighter FM-2 Wildcat in 1/48 scale. This version of the Wildcat was built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors and was easily recognizable thanks to taller fin.

Set contains:

• Eduard plastic parts
• Photoetched parts
• Masks
• Decals Eduard

Markings and colours:

• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, pilot Ens. Darrell C. Bennett, VC-10, USS Gambier Bay, August 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, pilot Lt. Leopold M. Ferko, VC-4, USS White Plains, November 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, VC-69, USS Guadalcanal, spring/summer 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, pilot Lt(jg) Harry N. O’Connor,  VC-8, USS Nehenta Bay, August 5, 1945
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, VC-80, USS Manila Bay, autumn 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, pilot  Lt. O’Neill, VC-13, USS Tripoli, spring 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat VC-93, pilot Lt(jg) Robert Sullivan, USS Petrof Bay, Okinawa, April–May 1945
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat VC-14, USS Hogatt Bay, November 1944
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat VC-27, pilot Lt. Ralph Elliot, Jr., USS Savo Island, January 1945
• General Motors FM-2 Wildcat VI, JV640, pilot Sub-Lt W. Park, No. 881 Squadron FAA, HMS Pursuit, August 1944

More about the FM-2 Wildcat

The General Motors Eastern Aviation FM-2 Wildcat was an American fighter-attack aircraft that was a development of the earlier F4F Wildcat model. The FM-2 Wildcat was designed and produced during World War II, and its effectiveness was the result of numerous factors. Here are some aspects that influenced the assessment of the effectiveness of the FM-2 Wildcat aircraft:

• Armor and Durability: The FM-2 Wildcat was known for its solid armor and rugged construction. This made the aircraft able to survive in harsh combat conditions and withstand the damage that often occurred during dogfights.
• Adaptation and Late Releases: The FM-2 was produced later than earlier Wildcat models, allowing for some improvements. Changes to the engine and efficiency resulted in better performance compared to earlier versions of the F4F.
• Fighter and attack operations: The FM-2 was used as both a fighter and attack aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. Its unguided missile attack capabilities were important for anti-ship operations and ground support for US Marines during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns.
• Comparison with other carrier-based fighters: While the FM-2 Wildcat had some limitations compared to more advanced fighter aircraft such as the Grumman F6F Hellcat or Vought F4U Corsair, it still served as an important support in the Air Force composition.
• Participation in the Pacific War: The FM-2 Wildcat was used extensively in the Pacific theater, especially in support operations in the final stages of World War II, when more advanced models were introduced for strike duties. His contribution to carrier defense and operations against Japanese air, sea and ground forces was significant.

Overall, the effectiveness of the FM-2 Wildcat was due to its survivability, versatility and tenacity in combat. While not a high-performance aircraft, it played a significant role in supporting naval operations during World War II.