FM-2 Wildcat Sponsor Group Coolidge, AZ
Address:
Coolidge Airport, P08
Coolidge, AZ
Contact number:
Website:
https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/pages/request-aircraft-appearance-information
FM-2 Wildcat Wildcat More Wildcat Info
The Commemorative Air Force’s FM-2 Wildcat is a striking tribute to the rugged naval fighter that served throughout World War II. For years, the aircraft was painted in a Royal Navy Martlet VI scheme representing a Fleet Air Arm unit aboard HMS Nairana. In December 2019, it received a new, authentically applied U.S. Navy paint scheme using original wartime techniques. The work was completed by Warbird Colour of the U.K., with support from dedicated sponsors and volunteers. Today, this combat-worn finish represents all Wildcats that served in World War II and helps bring history to life at airshows across the western United States.
N5833 was produced on 17 August 1945 by General Motors under contract as Grumman Eastern Aircraft Division as a FM-2, BuNu 86819 and construction No. 5833. After delivery to the Navy it was flown to storage in San Diego for 6 months and then to Kansas to be sold or scrapped. It was sold to Cal Butler and flown to Redmond OR to be fitted as an aerial bug sprayer in the pacific northwest. Successfully operating into the mid 1950's, 86819 suffered an engine failure and was significantly damaged in the subsequent landing. The wreckage was sold and it passed through a few more owners before being purchased by Charlie Nichols/Yankee Air Museum in Chino about 1980. It was restored to flyable status with parts from several other salvaged airframes. The CAF Air Group One in San Diego became interested in acquiring a fighter and through the efforts of Mike Heiny and Bob Reiss found 86819. Bob and his wife Claire Reiss arranged a deal to trade a P-51 airframe for the FM-2. Thus facilitating the donation of the FM-2 to the CAF Air Group One. Bob Reiss was a successful businessman living in the San Diego area. His interest in Wildcats was born from his work at the General Motors plant in Linden, NJ in the mid 50's. He heard many stories of building the Wildcats during his time there. Air Group One continued restoration work with the help of Chuck Hall at his facility in Ramona, CA. When complete in April 1987, it wore the paint of VOC-1, Commander Bush Bringle for its first flight. During restoration in 2003 it was painted as a Martlet VI to commemorate RAF Squadron 835 on the aircraft carrier HMS Nairana. Aug of 2019 it was again repainted, now with a more traditional Navy tri color scheme typical of FM-2's leaving the factory in 1944. Currently the Wildcat is wearing squadron markings of VC-27, The Saints, who operated off the carrier USS Savo Island. VC-27, a composite squadron of TBM torpedo bombers and FM-2 fighters, fought from the Battle of Peleliu, through the battle of the Philippines as Taffy 2 to the invasion of Lingayan Gulf (Sep 1944 to Jan 1945). VC-27 downed 61.5 enemy aircraft producing the top Wildcat ace of all escort carriers, Lt Ralph Elliot Jr, while also destroying numerous warships and surface targets.
N5833 is based in Coolidge, AZ.
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