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-5 Hellcat fighter that was piloted by the CAG of VF-19, then embarked upon the USS Lexington (CV-16) during November 1944. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: July 2015

Historical Account: "Satan's Kittens" - VF-191 was established as fighter squadron VF-19 on August 15th, 1943. On November 15th, 1946 it was re-designated VF-19A. On August 24th, 1948, it was finally re-designated VF-191 and adopted the new nickname Satan's Kittens. It was disestablished on March 1st, 1978.

The squadron took part in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During the latter conflict the squadron took part in several combat cruises, flying variants of the F-8 Crusader. After Vietnam VF-191 continued operations with the F-8 until 1976, when they transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II. A single cruise in the F-4 followed, as VF-191 was disestablished in 1978.