The small FM-2 Wildcat is one of the important, yet often forgotten Allied fighters of World War II. Designed in 1935 by the Grumman Aircraft Corp., it was the first all-metal, carrier launched, monoplane fighter purchased by the U.S. Navy. The Wildcat proved to be dependable and was admired by pilots and maintenance crews alike. The Wildcat was America’s primary naval fighter through the end of 1942. However, during 1943 most Wildcat squadrons were re-equipped with either the larger Grumman F6F Hellcat or the Chance-Vought F4U Corsair.
This Wildcat hangs in the Quarterdeck at the National Naval Aviation Museum beside the F9F-2 Panther. This shot is perfect for HDR photography, because it allows you to balance the indoor and outdoor exposures.
