In measuring the Grumman Wildcat against the Mitsubishi Zero, a medieval comparison is appropriate. The Zeke was a light, agile fencing foil; the Wildcat a heavy, deadly battle axe. Properly used, both were effective weapons.
Unable to compete with the Zero’s turn radius and astonishing climb, the Wildcat relied on heavy firepower and its rugged construction. Coupled with the patented teamwork of U.S. naval aviators, the Grumman’s technical deficiencies were more than offset by intelligent tactics.
However, there was little point in fighter-versus-fighter shootouts. Zeros were launched to defend attack aircraft, including the very effective Aichi D3A dive-bomber (Val to the Allies), which ranked among the most effective ship killers during the first year of the War.
The big, seemingly ungainly Aichi was surprisingly maneuverable, but it was slow and…
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Flight Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, November/December 2024