The carrier based Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat fighter-bomber was one of the most successful and most feared of the Allied aircraft.
Hellcat pilots were responsible for more than 76% of the confirmed U.S. carrier-based victories. In two years, Hellcats achieved 5,156 victories; an outstanding 19:1 kill-to-loss ratio.
The single-seat Hellcat was a follow-up to the F4F-3 Wildcat after early US Navy combat experience. It incorporated major design changes including a low-mounted wing, wider retractable landing gear, a more powerful engine, improved cockpit armor plating and increased ammunition capacity.
The F6F-5 variant had a redesigned engine cowl, new ailerons, a strengthened tail and a water-injection system for the engine, which added 10% to the takeoff performance and increased its armament-carrying capabilities. The F6F-5 was first flown in April 1944, and production continued through November 1945. It was credited with over three-quarters of the US Navy's air-to-air kills in the war.
Specifications
Engine |
P&W R-2800-10W Double Wasp 18-cyl radial |
Power @ sea level |
2,000 HP @ 2,700 RPM |
Power @ 22,500 ft |
1,650 HP @ 2,700 RPM |
War Emergency Power |
2,200 HP at 2,700 RPM @sea level |
Length |
33 ft 7 in |
Height |
13 ft 1 in |
Wing Span |
42 ft 10 in |
Wing Area |
334.0 sq ft |
Empty Weight |
9,238 lbs |
Max Take off (MTO) |
15,300 lbs |
Max Speed |
317 mph @sea level / 380.0 mph @23,700 ft |
Stall Speed |
91 mph IAS at 13,797 lbs |
Maximum Range |
1,130 mi. / 1,650 mi w/ drop tanks |
Service Ceiling |
37,300 ft |
Initial Climb |
2,980 fpm @ sea level |
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