Dec 6, 2024
The Martlet Mk II monoplane was the F4F-3A (without two-stage engine supercharger) fitted with the folding wings of the F4F-4. The aircraft had worse performance at greater heights than the version with the two stage supercharger. Nevertheless, it met the requirements set by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) for carrier-based fighters. It had folding wings, which assured that it could be housed in the cramped confines of aircraft carrier hangars, while its performance was sufficient to intercept enemy reconnaissance aircraft. In comparison with the British Navy’s previous carrier fighter, the Sea Gladiator biplane, the Martlet was very modern – and it was faster and more maneuverable than the larger, two-seat Fulmar.
