American Aviation
- Thread starter Bootie
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Testing the floatation device on a Wildcat.
DId not know they had those. Was it universal or just experiment?
I found a few things from different sites.
"Early examples of the aircraft came with inflatable bags that could be deployed in the event the aircraft ditched in water. These were located in wings. They were completely removed from the design though, after there were a few cases of accidental deployments while the aircraft was in the air."
Also:
"Not wanting the enemy to capture anything from a downed plane, these were removed upon the start of the war."
"F4F Wildcat after ditching in San Diego Bay due to mechanical issues on May 17, 1941. Its wing floatation bags have been deployed, keeping the aircraft buoyant for longer. These were eventually removed the design to save weight."
"Early examples of the aircraft came with inflatable bags that could be deployed in the event the aircraft ditched in water. These were located in wings. They were completely removed from the design though, after there were a few cases of accidental deployments while the aircraft was in the air."
Also:
"Not wanting the enemy to capture anything from a downed plane, these were removed upon the start of the war."
"F4F Wildcat after ditching in San Diego Bay due to mechanical issues on May 17, 1941. Its wing floatation bags have been deployed, keeping the aircraft buoyant for longer. These were eventually removed the design to save weight."