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  F6F-5 Hellcat Bureau Number 79192  
USN

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Justin Taylan 2008

Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as model G-50. Constructors Number A-10337. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-5 Hellcat Bureau Number 79192.

Wartime History
During World War II, this Hellcat was based at NAAS Santa Rosa, CA assigned to squadron VBF-11. No known nickname or nose art.

Postwar
After the war, it was used as a target drone. After making a wheels up landing, this Corsair was written off during May 1956. Placed into storage upside down in a cradle at NAS China Lake. The wreck was stripped and disassembled.

Restoration
The wreckage was transported aboard Military Sea Transport to New England Air Museum arriving on October 1973. Stored outdoors during 1974.

Restoration was performed in Rhode Island by Lawrence Webster over twelve years. Damaged by a tornado in 1979 and afterwards repaired. In 1991 the engine had been restored. Restoration was completed on July 19, 1992.

Display
This Hellcat is displayed at New England Air Museum. Painted in the markings of VBF-11 with fuselage code 51 in yellow and landing gear cover 60 in yellow. The Hellcat is displayed with rockets and the left wing in the folded position with machine gun doors open.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-5 Hellcat 79192
"79192 on display at New England Air Museum."

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Last Updated
December 19, 2021

 

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