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