The F6F embodied the early lessons learned by users of Grumman's previous fleet-defense fighter, the Wildcat. In June 1941, Grumman lowered the wing center section to enable the undercarriage to be wider splayed, fitting more armor-plating around the cockpit to protect the pilot while also increasing the fighter's ammunition capacity. When the prototype made its first flight, it was realized that a more powerful engine was needed to give the fighter a combat edge. A Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 engine was installed for added power.

The aircraft made its combat debut in August 1943, and from that point on, the question of aerial supremacy in the Pacific was never in doubt. Hellcats served aboard most of the US Navy's fleet carriers, being credited with the destruction of 4,947 aircraft up to V-J Day. The Fleet Air Arm was also a great believer in the Hellcat, procuring almost 1,200 planes between 1943-45. The Hellcat saw only limited service in the post-war years, being replaced by the more powerful F9F Bearcat. Of the nine F6Fs believed to be airworthy today, seven are based in the USA and two are located in the UK.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a US Navy F6F-3 Hellcat fighter that was piloted by Lieutenant Oscar Chenoweth and nicknamed "Ruth-Less", who was attached to VF-38, then deployed to Segi Point, New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands, during September 1943. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: May 2024

Historical Account: "Oc" - LT Oscar "Oc" Chenoweth Jr. of ‪Salem‬, Oregon, flew three combat tours during WWII and was an ace with 8-1/2 kills over Japanese aircraft. In 1942 he flew F4F Wildcats with VC-21 during the invasion of Attu, F6F Hellcats with VF-38 in the Solomon Islands and F4U Corsairs with VF-17 over Bougainville and Rabaul. He was awarded the Silver Star, DFC and Air Medal.