1945 FM-2 Wildcat’s First Shotgun Start

The first shotgun start of the 1945 FM-2 Wildcat BU 86774 brought a piece of aviation history back to life. An original 4-gauge shotgun shell from a new-old-stock can was used to start the engine, just as it was done during World War II operations.

The Wright 1820-56WA radial engine roared to life with a deep, powerful sound, turning the Curtiss Electric propeller C5325D. This method was designed for reliability, especially in remote or demanding environments where modern starting systems were not available. Watching this process today offers a simple yet powerful glimpse into the past. It highlights the practical engineering of the era and helps preserve the legacy of the aircraft and the people who flew and maintained it.