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An F4F-3P assigned to Marine Observation Squadron VMO-251 is refueled at Kirby Schuessler Field, New Hebrides, on November 19, 1942. This was one of the F4F-3s to be modified with camera gear for use as photographic reconnaissance aircraft. (National Archives via Bell)
🇺🇸 Grumman F4F-3P Wildcat 🇺🇸
History
As F4F-3 production began in 1940 and concluded in 1942, there was no photographic reconnaissance version of the Wildcat, so the U.S. Navy needed faster photo-recon aircraft to fulfill this role. As a result, a number of F4F-3s, including aircraft powered by either R-1830-76 or -86 engines, were allocated for conversion. The US Navy modified a total of 17 F4F-3s and one F4F-3A for reconnaissance missions. These aircraft replaced their reserve fuel tank behind the pilot with a Fairchild F-56 camera. The camera was mounted in the lower fuselage aft of the main fuel tank. A sliding rectangular hatch operated by the pilot kept the camera from getting dirty.
Consequently, the fuel capacity was reduced from 147 gallons (556 L) to 117 gallons (443 L). The F4F-3P retained the standard F4F-3’s four-gun armament. Overall, the F4F-3P was lighter than the standard F4F-3, though its operating range was reduced.
The F4F-3P saw limited service, primarily in the Solomons during the critical phases of the Guadalcanal Campaign from 1942 to 1943. A majority of the F4F-3Ps were operated by Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251). They were first transferred from the Navy at San Diego and assigned to VMO-251 in June 1942 after undergoing modifications at the North Island, CA, aircraft support facility. Upon arrival in the South Pacific in July 1942, they began flying from Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides, some 300 miles south of Guadalcanal.
Some Navy photographic squadrons (VDs) also operated F4F-3Ps. Missions began in July 1942. They initially provided support for the Guadalcanal operations, which began on August 7, 1942. However, since they were limited in range and did not have provisions for drop tanks, they were mainly used for air defense of their base at Espiritu Santo. Because of this, they began to be supplemented and replaced in October 1942 by the F4F-7s, which were dedicated long-range and unarmed photographic reconnaissance aircraft.
Later, it was known that a detachment of three F4F-3Ps operated from the escort USS Nassau (CVE-16) during the amphibious invasion of Attu Island in the Aleutian chain, Alaska, in May 1943.
Specifications
Grumman F4F-3P Wildcat
General Characteristics
Crew: 1 (Pilot)
Dimensions:
Length: 28 ft 11 in (8.8 m)
Height: 11 ft 11 in (3.6 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft (11.6 m)
Wing Area: 260 sq ft (24.15 sq m)
Propeller:
Type: 1 x 3-bladed Curtiss Electric propeller
Diameter: 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
Powerplant:
Type: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 or -86 radial engine with two-speed, two-stage mechanical supercharger
Power Output: 1,200 hp (1,217 ps)
Fuel/Oil:
Fuel Capacity: 117 US gal (443 L)
Oil Capacity: 11 US gal (41.6 L)
Weight:
Empty: 5,293 lb (2,401 kg)
Gross: 7,467 lb (3,387 kg)
Max. Takeoff: 8,770 lb (3,978 kg)
Flight Performance
Wing Loading: 28.7 lb/sq ft (140.25 kg/sq m)
Max Speed:
Sea Level: 278 mph (448 km/h)
At Altitude: 330 mph (531 km/h)
Rate of Climb: 2,050 fpm (10.4 m/s)
Service Ceiling: 32,600 ft (9,936 m)
Armament
Guns:
4 x 0.50-cal M2 machine guns (450 rpg; 1,800 rds)
Bombs:
Drop tanks:
2 x 58 US-gal drop fuel tanks
Images
Colors and markings on the F4F-3P in the cover image above are illustrated in this artwork. (Artwork by Rock Roszak)
Sources
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
1 Like
+1 but as a premium or event vehicle since it’s very similar to the existing F4F-3
2 Likes
Yep, they made F-6C (the photo-recon P-51) a BP reward and J9 Early a Winter event reward. Either placement works well for this suggestion.
