Grumman F6F Hellcat
Technical Information
Background
The F6F Hellcat was the most
successful fighter used by the U.S. Navy (USN) during World War II and accounted for over 6,000 air-to-air kills. It was rugged, dependable and had the performance to match or exceed opposing Japanese
fighters. During the last three years of the Pacific War, the Hellcat replaced the F4F Wildcat as the main frontline and carrier fighter used by the Navy.
It was far superior
to the leading Japanese combat planes, including the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Although the Hellcat was less agile than the Zero, it was far tougher
and better armed. Not only were Hellcats more powerful, they were far more numerous.
F6F earned their place in aviation lore during the "Marianas Turkey Shoot", and during the Battle
of the Philippine Sea the last aircraft carrier encounter of the Pacific War.
Production
During 1943, a total of 2,545 F6F-3s were delivered. Of these, 252
went to Britain's Fleet Air Arm. The British called the plane Hellcat Mk. I and
put it into service in July. Before production switched over to F6F-5s, in April,
1944, a total of 4,403 F6F-3s were built. Of these, 223 aircraft were equipped
for night fighting. These planes were known as F6F-3E and F6F-3N and carried radar
equipment in a fairing under the starboard wing.
Technical Details
Crew One (pilot)
Engine One
Pratt & Whitney R-2800 with 2 stage supercharger
Span 33'
"
Length 33'
7"
Height 12'
7"
Maximum Speed 376
Range 910
miles
Armament 6 x .50 cal. machine guns with a total of 2,350 rounds
External Drop Tanks or two 550 lb bombs
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