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The Museum's General Motors (Eastern) FM-2 Wildcat in flight Image
Location: Restoration Center, Everett
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Aircraft Details

  • Manufacturer: 
    General Motors Corp., Eastern Aircraft Division
    Model: 
    FM-2 Wildcat
    Year: 
    1943
    Power Plant: 
    Wright Cyclone R-1820 engine
    Serial Number: 
    4512
    On Loan From: 
    National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida.
    Span: 
    38ft
    Length: 
    29ft
    Height: 
    10ft
    Wing Area: 
    260ft²
    Empty Weight: 
    5,448lbs
    Gross Weight: 
    8,271lbs
    Maximum Speed: 
    332mph
    Cruise Speed: 
    164mph
    Range: 
    900miles

General Motors (Eastern) FM-2 Wildcat

Designed in 1939, the Grumman Wildcat was America's most capable naval fighter in the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal. By exploiting its advantages of firepower and armor, and using advanced tactics, the Wildcat competed successfully against the faster and more agile Japanese Zero.

The Grumman Aircraft Company suspended Wildcat production in May of 1943 to concentrate on producing the new F6F Hellcat. The Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors also built Wildcats as the FM-1 and FM-2. This aircraft is an FM-2 with the more powerful Wright Cyclone R-1820 engine. The Museum's aircraft is currently undergoing restoration at our Restoration Center in Everett, Washington.

This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida.