General Motors FM-1 Wildcat - A Decisive Asset for the Escort Carriers

[Nostalgistic]

Would you like to see this in-game?

• Yes
• No

General Motors FM-1 Wildcat

   Hello, I’d like to introduce and suggest the General Motors FM-1 Wildcat for the US aviation tech tree in War Thunder. To my understanding, this particular Wildcat variant is nearly identical to the F4F-4 Wildcat, with only one key difference. However, because the FM-1 was the first Wildcat produced by General Motors and came equipped with four .50-cal machine guns instead of six, I believe this aircraft deserves a place in the game, ideally as an event, premium, or squadron aircraft.

Key Characteristics

• Wildcat!
• Naval fighter
• First General Motors-built Wildcat variant; nearly identical to the F4F-4
• Armed with four .50-cal machine guns
• Capable of carrying two 100 lb bombs or two 58-gallon drop tanks

History

In late 1942, Grumman was preparing to introduce its next-generation naval fighter, the F6F Hellcat. To make room for its production, Grumman had to discontinue building the F4F Wildcat. However, demand for the Wildcat remained high within the US Navy, particularly for use on escort carriers. These smaller carriers lacked catapults and had limited deck space, making the lightweight, slow-landing F4F an ideal fighter for defensive operations against enemy aircraft and submarines. At the time, these carriers primarily operated General Motors-built TBM Avengers, but still required dedicated fighter support.

To address this need, the Navy signed a contract on April 18, 1942, with General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft Division to take over licensed production of the F4F. This allowed Grumman to shift its focus entirely to the F6F Hellcat. The first GM-built Wildcat was completed and flown on August 31, 1942. It was designated the FM-1, with the “M” indicating production by General Motors’ Eastern Division.

The FM-1 was nearly identical to the Grumman-built F4F-4, with one key difference: it was armed with four .50 caliber machine guns instead of six. This change stemmed from pilot feedback in the Pacific, where it was found that six guns reduced effective firing time due to limited ammunition capacity. By reverting to four guns, the FM-1 carried approximately 20% more ammunition per gun, extending its firing time and improving combat endurance.

By early 1943, General Motors was producing FM-1 Wildcats at a faster rate than Grumman had managed, and the new FM-1 variant entered service in significant numbers. Around this time, Grumman-built Wildcats were being phased out of frontline combat and fleet carrier use.

In total, 1,150 FM-1 Wildcats were built. Of these, 838 served with the US Navy, and 312 were delivered to the British Fleet Air Arm. Most were deployed aboard escort carriers, where they played a critical role in defending convoys and providing close air support during amphibious operations. FM-1s continued to see combat until the end of the war, particularly in support roles. Some were assigned to independent Hunter-Killer groups tasked with locating and destroying German U-boats in the Atlantic. The FM-1 remained the primary Wildcat in service until early 1944, when it was gradually replaced by the improved FM-2 variant.

Specifications

General Motors FM-1 Wildcat

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (Pilot)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 28 ft 9.375 in (8.77 m)
  • Height: 12 ft 1.375 in (3.69 m)
  • Wingspan: 38 ft (11.58 m)
  • Wing Area: 260 sq ft (24.15 sq m)
• Propeller:
  • Type: 3-blade constant-speed
  • Diameter: 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 radial engine
  • Power Output: 1,200 hp (895 kW)
• Fuel Capacity: 144 US gal (545 L) internal
• Oil Capacity: 11 US gal (41.6 L)
• Weights:
  • Empty: 5,895 lb (2,674 kg)
  • Gross: 8,050 lb (3,651 kg)

Engine Ratings

• Takeoff Power
  → 1,200 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ sea level

• Military Power
  → 1,200 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ sea level - 1,800 ft (549 m)
  → 1,135 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ 3,400 ft (1,036 m)
  → 1,150 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
  → 1,030 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ 15,000 ft (4,572 m)
  → 1,040 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 18,400 ft (5,608 m)

• Normal Power
  → 1,100 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ sea level - 3,300 ft (1,006 m)
  → 1,080 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 3,800 ft (1,158 m)
  → 1,090 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 11,300 ft (3,444 m)
  → 1,030 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 13,000 ft (3,962 m)
  → 1,040 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 18,400 ft (5,608 m)

Flight Performance @ Military Power

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.15 hp/lb (246.6 W/kg)
• Speed:
  • Sea Level: 284 mph (457 km/h)
  • Critical Altitude: 320 mph @ 18,800 ft (515 km/h @ 5,730 m)
• Stall Speed:
  • Gross Weight: 81.2 mph (130.7 km/h)
  • Empty Fuel: 76.7 mph (123.4 km/h)
• Wing Loading: 30.96 lb/sq ft (151.15 kg/sq m)
• Rate of Climb: 2,303 ft/min (11.7 m/s)
• Service Ceiling: 34,000 ft (10,363 m)
• Range: 830 mi (1,336 km)

Armament

• Guns: 4 x .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns (430 rpg / 1,720 total rounds)
• Bombs: 2 x 100-lb bombs
• External Fuel: 2 x 58-gal drop tanks

Airplane Charcteristics & Performance Sheets

Diagrams

Cockpit

FM-1 Livery Examples --- Illustrations

Standard Scheme (Blue Gray over Light Gray Scheme)

Atlantic Scheme (Dark Gull Gray over Insignia White)

Tricolor Scheme (Semi Gloss Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue, and Insignia White)

Images

Conclusion | Why it should be in the game

   This suggestion is part of my broader effort to promote more World War II content in War Thunder. While the FM-1 is visually and functionally similar to the F4F-4, its reduced armament and production background make it a historically significant variant. I believe it would make a great addition to the game as an event, premium, or squadron aircraft, especially with aesthetic paint schemes as potential unlockable skins.

Related Suggestion

General Motors FM-2 Wildcat - Unsung Hero of the Pacific

poll [image] General Motors FM-2 Wildcat    Hello! I’d like to introduce and suggest the General Motors FM-2 Wildcat for the US aviation tech tree in War Thunder. I am surprised this aircraft isn’t in the game despite being the most produced Wildcat variant, with 4,437 built for the US Navy plus 340 for the Royal Navy. Historically, the FM-2s were delivered overseas in the Atlantic and Pacific to serve on escort carriers where the F6F and F4U fighters could not operate. In one case, the FM-…

Sources

• Pilot’s Handbook for Model FM-1 Airplane and Model R-1830-86 P.&.W. Engine (1943)
• Model F4F-4 and FM-1 Airplane Characteristics & Performance (1 July 1943)
• F4F Wildcat in Detail & Scale: Covers all Grumman & General Motors Versions Volume 65 (2000)
• F4F Wildcat in Action: Aircraft Number 191 (2004)
• Eastern Division FM-1 (Grumman F4F-4) Wildcat | National Air and Space Museum
• General Motors FM Wildcat | Classic Warbirds
• Grumman (General Motors) FM-1 Wildcat | Plane Dave
• The Wilder Wildcat — General Aviation News
• Grumman F4F Wildcat
• General Motors / Eastern Aircraft FM-1 Wildcat
• Grumman F4F Wildcat/Martlet production information differences and color schemes
• F4FColors
• Grumman F4F Wildcat
• Grumman F4F Wildcat - Wikipedia

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

[sh4d0w]

Love it but as event plane, I would rather have the Wildcatfish :

[LeonDasPro]

The FM-1 could also carry 2x 250lb bombs or 6x rockets which would go some way to balance out the reduced number of MGs. But it’s still probably a bit too close to the F4F-4 especially in air combat.

I think the FM-2 would be a better choice though with more power and taller tail giving a slight boost to performance alongside the armament changes. It could be foldered, and the F6F returning to a standalone plane.

[Nostalgistic]

@sh4d0w

Love it but as event plane, I would rather have the Wildcatfish :

Someone already suggested the Wildcatfish, but I support the addition of Wildcatfish.

@LeonDasPro

The FM-1 could also carry 2x 250lb bombs or 6x rockets

Frankly, I don’t mind giving the provisions to the FM-1 outside of its historical time frame to make it more unique from F4F-4 for gameplay’s sake.

If you found one, can you please share a primary source or photographic evidence that indicates the FM-1 carrying the provisions? That would be great. 🙂

[BOMBAY9997042-live]

literally just the f3f-3 with a different name

[GibProject68U2]

Hope britain gets this as the Martlet mkV

[Nostalgistic]

I believe I have found provisions for rocket launchers on the FM-1 Wildcat:

According to the image description, it says: “FM-1 Wildcat NOTS Naval Ordnance Testing Station at China Lake Inyokern CA c 1943 01.”

Here are some more images of the FM-1:

[Nostalgistic]

At last, I have reorganized and updated the FM-1’s specs, including data on engine ratings. Added supplemental data & diagrams. The specs are much more elaborate and precise now.

[jon_man1199]

A +1 from me, more Wildcats are appreciated!

[Nostalgistic]

@Nostalgistic

According to the image description, it says: “FM-1 Wildcat NOTS Naval Ordnance Testing Station at China Lake Inyokern CA c 1943 01.”

Hi guys, I have found further information regarding the rocket launch rails.

According to the author of F4F Wildcat in Detail & Scale Vol. 65,

"British-style rocket launch rails were evaluated on this FM-1. Four rails were installed under each wing, and they were mounted in a staggered arrangement in pairs, one above the other. These were not used operationally, however late FM-2s were fitted with six zero-length launch stubs for 5-inch rockets. Also, note that the approach light remains on the leading edge of the left wing just outboard of the guns. "

Thought it’d be probably important information to share for awareness.

[Nostalgistic]

Updated FM-1 Wildcat suggestion format and specifications.