Image: F4F-3S Wildcatfish NAN12-70

Description: The Grumman F4F-3S Wildcatfish (or Wild Catfish), BuNo 4038. This floatplane version of the F4F-3 was developed for use at forward island bases in the Pacific, before the construction of airfields. It was inspired by appearance of the Mitsubishi A6M2-N Rufe, a modification of the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero/Zeke. The Edo Corporation fitted one F4F-3 with twin floats. To restore the stability, small auxiliary fins were added to the tailplane. Because this was still insufficient, a ventral fin was added later. The F4F-3S was first flown 28 February 1943. The weight and drag of the floats reduced the maximum speed to 390 km/h (241 mph). Edo provided 100 sets of floats, but as enough air bases were available, it was unnecessary to proceed with further floatplane conversions, and the project was canceled.
Title: F4F-3S Wildcatfish NAN12-70
Credit: U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News December 1970 [1]
Author: USN
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No