Photo © Eric Lange

Specs

Manufacturer: Grumman
Engine: 2,100 HP Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W
Wing Span: 42 ft. 10 in.
Length: 33 ft. 7 in.
Height: 13 ft. 6 in.
Max Speed: 380 MPH
Cruise Speed: 168 MPH
Ceiling: 37,300 ft.
Max Range: 1,530 Miles With Drop Tank
Normal Range: 1,040 Miles
Empty Weight: 9,153 lbs.
Max Weight: 15,410 lbs.
Fuel Consumption: (average) 80 GPH
Armament: Six 0.50 Caliber Browning Machine Guns, Two 1,000-lb bombs

Number Built: 12,275

Number Still Flying: 6

Background

After the experience in the early part of the war with F4F Wildcats, Grumman consulted with Allied Air Forces to develop a successor to the F4F. This new aircraft was to be called the F6F Hellcat. The prototype, XF6F-1, first flew on June 26, 1942. The first production model was the F6F-3 which first flew in October 1942. Grumman then produced an improved Hellcat designated the F6F-5. This Hellcat first flew on April 4, 1944. This new model quickly replaced the F6F-3 models. Production lasted until November 1945, when the F8F replaced the F6F. Hellcats are credited with the destruction of 4,947 aircraft up to V-J Day. The Hellcat was the first aircraft the Navy had for its Blue Angels demonstration team.

Hellcat N1078Z

Built: April 1944

After being used for the US Navy it was left in an aircraft boneyard for many years. In the mid 1960s it was restored to flying condition with many F6F-3 parts. This Hellcat looks like a mix between both F6F-3 and F6F-5 models. It was acquired by the CAF in 1972. Later the Southern California Wing took possession of the aircraft. It is painted in the colors of Cmdr. David McCampbell's "Minsi III". David McCampbell was the Navy's top fighter pilot of WWII.

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