Warbird Information Exchange

Evidently...and I even had a legit question buried in there. So I'll repeat and try to re-rail the train:

Chris,
You put together a great piece at the top of this thread, Im thinking put it in CASCADE.
It's not your fault that a 3 place horse is just, well funnier

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Andrew King
Air Museum Director with no Museum to Direct
Open to Suggestions

Okay so yours was legit. If theres a picture floating around out there with a person(s) sitting in the back, I think it would help to gauge the size. I know it kind of seems impossible to fit three people in the little ole' Wildcat but that's why i like this modification. Its so different, unique, innovative, and original in my eyes. Not to mention you could take the whole family to airshows with you!

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Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

Is the wildcat big enough to be able to make it a 2 seater? I was able to get a good look at the NEAM's nice one and it's a small plane. With enough enginering and time, anything may be possible

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" I am a nobody in aviation, but somebody to my family."

I know the (In)Famous Col. Rohr has ridden in the back and hes no tiny guy. He claims it was a nice setup. I do agree that it looks like the rear end of a A-26 not a wildcat...

_________________
Andrew King
Air Museum Director with no Museum to Direct
Open to Suggestions

I saw this Wildcat in person this past June in Reading PA at the WWII weekend. I was very curious about the passenger compartment. I looked in through the tinted window and was surprised it really didnt look to be too small. I'd guess you could fit two average sized people without much more trouble than sitting in the back seat of a muscle car.

That picture on Courtesy is definately a wide angle / bug eye shot.

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Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

If there is 3 seats and 3 seatbelts its legal to carry 3 passengers.
From the ad-

Grumman (Eastern Aircraft) FM-2 Wildcat
N11FE s/n BU 86680
Limited Category
Special Rear Passenger Area - 3 Seats
$935,000

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Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
benstear.org
#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

BOOM BOOM, ROUND ROUND, PROPELLER GO

Don't Be A Dilbert!

I believe when it was first modified in the 1950's (?) it could hold a total of seven people, including the pilot! When it came back to the U.S. it was re-engineered down to only three seats in the back.
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

Seven!?!?! My god... Would be nice to see someone bring that Wildcat back to New England. Maybe Jeff Clyman would want another bird for the stable? I think it would be an appropriate addition.

_________________
Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

wow! I didn't think that a wildcat could carry that many pounds. I'm just guessing 7 people at 200 pounds each, 1,400 pounds of passengers and then whatever she holds for fuel and equipment. Not too much weight but for being almost 70 years old are the wings able to safley commute that many people?

_________________
" I am a nobody in aviation, but somebody to my family."

Considering the plane could carry 2 500 pound bombs and 6 rockets, I think it might be able to carry that many with the removal of the heavy radios and other equipment like armor.

very true. But how the heck do you squish 7 people in there???

_________________
" I am a nobody in aviation, but somebody to my family."

Heres the Registry: http://www.warbirdregistry.org/f4fregistry/f4f-86680.htm



It says it originally had 4.

_________________
Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

Remember, it was in South America at the time. Size of PAX's were probably a little different!
Jerry

_________________
"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

Quite possible, but I'm pretty sure there was an article on it back in the late 70's early 80's that said Seven.
You put sideways seats in there and with the size of your average South American, you could do it.
Jerry

_________________
"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."