[central_va]

FM-2 Genaral Motors license built version for second line defense and export to Great Britain (Martlet)

[17th Miss Regt]

Aha! Thanks for the info.

[Calvin Locke]

I remember the FM2 as having only 4 X.50 guns. Given that, a second line defense (against bombers, the Wildcat being outclassed by IJN fighters) with less weight, and presumably longer patrol time would make sense.

[yawningotter]

The Navy had a very confusing designation system for their planes in WWII based on the manufacturer of the plane. The same plane could have several designations based on where it was built. The F4F was the Grumman built Wildcat, while the FM2 was the same plane built by GM. You would think the F4U would be another version of the Wildcat, but it was the Vought Corsair, which was also known as the F3A, FG and AU. They also had their own designations for AAF planes, like PBJ for the B25.