1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat White 23

Hobby Master - 1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat White 23

John Thach devised a maneuver, the Thach Weave, so Wildcats could compensate for the Zero's high speed and turn rate. Using half power aircraft would weave back and forth across each others path to protect each other. On June 4th at the Battle of Midway John Thach led six VF-3 F4F's from the USS Yorktown to escort Douglas Devastators to attack the Japanese carrier fleet. They were met by twenty Japanese fighters and using the Thach Weave they down four Zeros with Thach claiming three of them. Thach retired as an Admiral with six air victories.

Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a new carrier-based fighter, the F-4F was first flown on September 2nd, 1937. Originally used by the British (who called it the Martlet) against the Luftwaffe, the Wildcat also became the United States Navy's primary carrier fighter in the Pacific Theatre. The Wildcat was no match for the maneuverability of the Japanese Zero, but the two airplanes were roughly equal in speed and the F-4F was able to absorb far more damage. With its array of 6 x 12.7mm machine guns and its distinctive Thach weave maneuver, two Wildcats could handle four or five Zeros.

Features:
- Scale 1:48
- Length: 7.25" Width: 9.5"
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.