The Wildcat’s innovative "STO-Wing" mechanism was developed on the XF4F-4 prototype by Leroy (Roy) Grumman (1895-1982), a founder of Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. It was crucial to the U.S. Navy’s success during World War II.
At the onset of the war, the U.S. Navy operated with three aircraft carriers. On the other hand, the Japanese Navy had at least 10 carriers and a far greater numerical advantage in aircraft than the U.S., whose flight decks were filled with space-consuming fixed-wing airplanes.
The Wildcat’s STO-Wing mechanism made it possible to decrease the aircraft’s wingspan by hinging the outer sections of the wings and folding them parallel to the fuselage, thus reducing the airplane’s overall size. This allowed for easier movement and storage and created the ability to increase aircraft capacity on U.S. Navy carriers by 50 percent.
Once the principle of the STO-Wing was established, it became a model for many subsequent naval aircraft and is still used today.
Since its inception in 1971, the ASME History and Heritage Program has designated 235 historical mechanical engineering landmarks, heritage collections or heritage sites. Each selection represents contributions made by the technological advances of mechanical engineering and their impact on the quality of life.
ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.