Air Power Series>1:32 die-cast display model>F6F>HA0301

General Background

The F6F Hellcat was basically designed as the "Zero Killer". It could fly about an average 55 mph faster than the Zero and it was heavier and more powerful than the Zero. The Hellcat also had the highest kill ratio of any American fighter plane during WWII (19 to1). US Navy pilots referred the Hellcat as the "Aluminum Tank".

The Aircraft

In February 1944 Cdr. David McCampbell was promoted to CAG (Commander – Air Group) Air Group 15. On board the USS Essex CV-9 the VF-15 were given the name "Satan's Playmates". With 34 victories McCampbell became the USN top ace of all time and along with the actions of the other members of VF-15 the unit became known as "The Fabled Fifteen". On October 24, 1944 McCampbell and another pilot took on overwhelming numbers of Japanese aircraft and managed to make them retreat but not before McCampbell claimed 9 of his 34 victories.

Specifications :

Total production :	F6F-3 (4,403), F6F-5 (7,870)
Powerplant :	Single 2,000-horsepower 18-cylinder, Pratt and Whitney R-2800-10W air cooled radial engine
Climb rate to 14,000 ft. :	6 minutes 42 seconds
Armament :	six .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns a 2,000 lb. bomb load, or six 5-inch rockets
Wingspan :	42 ft. 10 in. (13.1 m)
Length :	33 ft., 7 in. (10.2 m)
Height :	13 ft., 1 in. (4.0 m)
Weight :	9,238 lb. empty
Maximum speed :	380 mph at 23,400 ft.
Ceiling :	37,300 ft.
Range :	945 miles