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FM-2 Wildcat.

The General Motor's Wildcat was given the designation FM-1, with the only difference being that the armament was changed from six .50 caliber machine guns to four, with an increase in ammunition capacity of 20%. During 1943 some 1,127 FM-1s were built, and simultaneously General Motors began working on an improved version designated the FM-2. The FM-2 differed from the FM-1 in that it had a more powerful engine, a taller fin and rudder, and various changes in airframe weight. The latter change was made to allow the FM-2 to operate from the small escort carriers, and the aircraft was developed to have the best possible take-off performance. In fact, later model FM-2s were given a water-injection system to help boost short-term engine output. By the time production was terminated in August 1945, 4,777 FM-2s had been produced.

Performance: Range: 900 miles (1448 km) Cruise Speed: 164 mph ( 264 km/h) Max Speed: 332 mph ( 534 km/h) at 28,800 ft Ceiling: 34,700 ft (10,575 m)