Mastercraft Collection 1/28 Scale Grumman F-4F Wildcat Model - Joe Foss Edition | Perfect for Aviation Enthusiasts, Collectors & WWII History Displays

Product Description

Product Description PRODUCT DETAILS The F4F Wildcat was an American carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy in 1940. The Wildcat was the only effective fighter available to the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the early part of World War II. The Wildcat was outperformed by the Mitsubishi Zero, but held its own because, with relatively heavy armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, the Wildcat airframe could survive far more damage than the Zero. This handcrafted model is painted in the same paint scheme as the original and is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen. Perfect as a gift for any aviation enthusiast and history buff! From the Manufacturer Joe Foss was the first to Marine become an ace in a day. A recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Flying Cross, Joe was the highest scoring Marine ace with 26 victories while flying an F4F Wildcat with VMF-121. The F4F Wildcat was one of the first monoplanes to fly from United States carrier decks. It was manufactured by Grumman and its primary users were the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the Fleet Air Arm. F4F Wildcat maiden flight was on the 2nd of September 1937 but it was introduced as an American carrier-based fighter in 1940s. The Grumman F4F Wildcat naval fighter became most successful in the hands of Joe Foss. Joe Foss was one of the heroes in the Battle of Guadalcanal as he became an executive officer in the Cactus Air Force. He led a flight of eight Wildcats known as Foss’s Flying Circus and though his own plane had been hit, he still took down a Japanese Zero. He later left Guadalcanal in 1943. His Flying Circus shot down 72 Japanese aircrafts of which 26 was credited to him. In 1943, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Medal of Honor at the White House for being America’s Ace of Aces. The Grumman F4F Wildcat was designed to meet the requirements of the US Navy in 1936 for a new carrier-based fighter. It was planned by the designers for more challenging take-offs and landings. F4F Wildcat large wings helped the plane to achieve higher levels, make slow landings, and be operated with great maneuverability.