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Grumman F6F Hellcat
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Developed from a project started by Grumman to replace the F4F Wildcat, the F6F Hellcat design benefited from operational experience of the European allies including armor for the pilot and increased ammunition capacity. The US Navy placed an order for the F6F on 30 June 1941 covering four prototypes. By the time of the aircraft's first flight on 26 June 1942, the urgency to replace the F4F resulted in the decision to put the most powerful engine available in the XF6F-3. |
The first production F6F-3 flew on 4 October 1942; the Hellcat's first combat occurred on 31 August 1943. The Hellcat also entered service with the British Fleet Air Arm in 1943. By the end of World War II, the Hellcat had achieved a kill ratio of 19:1. Production ended in November 1945 with 12,275 Hellcats having been produced. |
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| Specifications (F6F-5) | Designations |
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