1216 F6F Helicat In Action’ Jim Sullivan and Charles ScrivnerFGF Hellcat In ActionCopyright 2009 Squadron/Signal Publications 1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 U.S.A. Printed in the U.S.A. Alrights reserved. No par of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means electrical, mechanical, r otherwise, without written permission of che publisher ISBN 978-0-89747-576-1 Military/Combat Photographs and Snapshots Ifyou have any photos of aircraft, armor, soldiers, of ships of any nation, particularly wartime snapshots, why not share them with us and help make Squadror/Signal’s books all the more interesting and complete in the future? Any photograph sent to us will be copied and returned, Electronic images are preferred. The donor will be fully credited for any photos used. Please send ss a them to: (Front Cover) F6F-3 No. 7 from VF-27 aboard USS Princeton and was flown by Ens. Bob Burnell. This Hellcat carried the name, Paper Doll. ‘Squadron/Signal Publications 1115 Crowley Drive (Back Cover) FOF-SP No. 134 from VF-84 prepar Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 US.A. returning from a photo mission. ‘wwwSquadronSignalPublications.com About the In Action® Series are books that trace the development ofa single ‘or ship from protorype othe final production varianc, Experimental ‘or “one-off” variants can also be included. Our first Jn Action” book was printed in 1971 Acknowledgments ‘The authors wish to thankall the contnbuors of nformation and photos that wereso kindly provided. Special thanks to Lois Lovosolo of Grumman and historians David Lucabaugh and Jack Cook for the wealth of information they provided. Photo Credits Hal Andrews, Harry Basore, Roger Besocker, Peter Bowers, John Campbell, Bill Crimmins, Jack Cook, Bill Derby, Jr., Joe Genne, Hill Godspeed/NAM, Richard Hill, Lt. Rodney Johnson, Bill Larkins, Bob Lawson, Adam Lewis, Dave Lucabaugh, Paul Madden/USS Essex CV-9, Ted Stone, Jim Sullivan, Jr., Ken Sumney, Larry Webster, Hank Weimer, John Woods, ‘Grumman, National Archives, United Technologies, USMC, USN. Dedication The authors dedicate this book to all the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have served, or are now serving, in the military of, not only America, but all free lands, Perhaps now (Title Page) F6F-5 (71434) White 42 of VF-3 from USS Yorktown flies a Combat Air more than ever, the words “LET FREEDOM RING are so important. History-changing Patrol (CAP) on 20 March 1945. This Helicat carried a red prop hub. Its tail stripe and all events such as Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the World Trade Center on 9-11-01 only harden our ‘numbers were white. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) resolve to forever live free. May it always be so. 2Grumman test pilot Bob Hall is at the controls of XF6F-3(02982) in July of 1943. The Helicat lines and dimensions changed little from the X-job of 1942 to the final F6F-5. (Grumman) The Grumman FOF Hellcat compiled a record unequaled in the history of aerial combat. Ik produced more aces (pilots with five or more victories) than any other U.S. aircraft of any service and achieved an outstanding 19:1 kill-to-loss ratio, almost three times better than the P-51 Mustang (7:1) and almost double chat ofits nearest rival, the Vought (ia plots with les than 300 hours in their logbooks. The big, rugged Pratt & Whitney R-2800 ine combined with the traditionally rugged Grumman construction resulted in an aircraft U Corsair The Hellcat was designed ro be flown by hundreds of relatively inexperienced young wel suited for cartier operations. It was stable at all airspeeds, relatively easy to fly with no surprises or bad habits, and was regarded as a firm, rock-steady gun platform, By 1940, the Navy had decided on the F4F-3 Wildcat as its standard carier-base fight On 7 December 1941, the fighter squadrons aboard all but one cartier were equipped with 4 F-3%. (The VF-2 aboard USS Lexington was flying the F2A-3 Brewster Buffalo), A new generation of fighters was promised in the XFAU-1 Corsair, which had already flown in May fof 1940 and demonstrated a top speed of 400 mph but was being beset by developmental delays. Rusty s+ 1938, Grumman been st ways tn improwe the Wildcat’ performance and had concluded chat any real improvement must come from a more powerful engine Early wartime experince in the skies over Europe demonstrated the need for armor plate uel tanks, and additional armament. Installation of allthis equipment increased 703s weight of the Wildcat by more than 30 percent while using the same engine. Ic became apparent tha the Wildcat could not be further developed to overcome its three major disadvantages insufficient speed, rate of climb, and rangeXF6F-3 (02982) sits on the ramp at the Grumman plant in Bethpage, Long Island, New York, in July 1942. The large spinner was omitted in production models. (Grumman) The "X" Models ‘A more powerful engine meant a larger, heavier engine, something the Wildeat airframe could not accommodate, Grumman proposal to the Navy, Design G-50, was an entirely new and larger airplane but witha distinctive fami” resemblance. I offered a larger engine, mote speed, a better ier firepower with more ammunition (400 rounds per gun), as ‘well as armor protection for the pilot and vital parts ofthe plane. ‘On 30 June 1941 (nearly six months before Peael Harbor) Grumman was awarded a contract for ‘wo prororype XFGF-1'. The Grumman experimental shop set to work and ls than one year late, the fist XFOF-1 (02981) was roll-out. The airplane emerged a an all-metal, stessed-skin fighter with a semi-monocouque fuselage, with armor protection provided forthe pil, engine, and oil cooler The XF6F-1, like the F4F-4 Wildcat before it, continued the unique manu owed the extended 42-foor 10-inch wing to fold to a selfsealing fuel cells containing a coral of 250 gallons of 100-octane fuel h che cockpit floor. This was later supplemented by the addition of a 150- gallon centerline tank for a total of 400 gallons of fuel. Using normal cruise power settings, this combination gave the Helleat a range of 1,850 mile, The wheels rotated 90 degrees to lie fla in the wheel well. Armament consisted of six .50-caliber Browning machine guns. (On 26 June 1942, Grumman ts pilot Bob Hall made the fist Hella fight. He was completely satisfied with the contol charactristis and the Hella literally flew right off the drawing board. Hall found thatthe Wight R-2600 engine installation didnot produce the desned performance, however, and ‘Grumman turned to the more powerful R-2800 Double Wasp engine which Was being manufactured by Pratt & Whitncy for use in the FAU Corsi and P-A7 Thunderbolt. That engine was installed in the procorype (02982) and was designated asthe XFGF-3. Afr further test ying, Bob Hall was completdy ‘afi withthe Helleats performance and announced that they had a winner’ rate of climb, increased range, hea folding wing design devised by LeRoy Grumman. It width of 16 feet. The were located be XFOF-3 (02982) The Hellcat prototype was photographed on 13 September 1942, after test pilot Bob Hall's deadstick landing. Recovered and repaired, this F6F would become the cannon-armed XF6F-4, (Jack Cook Collection)Hellcat Evolution (ol F6F-3Nlem aller 9 Grumman manufactu Wildcat and the new TBF ‘op priority and sought another manufacturer for the F4E-4 and TBF-1 so that Grumman could devore all its efforts to H. ng facilites were committed to the production of the E4F-4 Avenger, The Navy decided that Hellcat production should have ellcat production, The Navy found a subcontractor in Eastern Aircraft, which was formed from five East Coast General Motors automotive plants idled by the war. Wildcat and Aw production was shifted to Eastern Aircraft To accommodate Hellea production, a completely new plant was built. It was designated Plant No. 3 and opened 1 June 1942. The first production F6F-3 was rolled out on 4 October 1942 and was followed by a steady stream of Helleas for the duration of the war. The bulky landing gear doors of the protorype were reduced on the production F6F-3. Exhaust channels were reduced and the Curtis electric propeller was replaced by a 13-foot L-inch diameter Hamilton Standard full feathering Hydromatic propeller. The protorype's prop spinner was also climinated. The Hellcat’ airframe and the R-2800-10 engine were so durable and eas (© maintain that it was estimated that 90 to 95 percent of the crafe were always in an ‘up! condition (ready to fly) for combat. Grummanis doctrine was, "Make it strong, Make it simple, and Make it work. The first Hellcat squadron went to VF-9, which received a full compliment of FOP-3s in January 1943. The Hellear went from maiden flight ro combat in just 14 months, with its ist engagement on 31 August 1943 when Helleats of VE-9 and VF-S attacked Marcus Island, It saw action again when LCDR Paul Buie ed the ewelve F6F-3s of VE-16 into bare against 21 amy fighters near Makin Atoll. When the d two probables,and one got away. All 12 Helleats safely returned to USS Lexington, By September of 1943, F6F-3s had replaced the FAF-4 Wildcats as the Navy’s standard shipboard fighter aboard the fast carriers. F6F-3 production lasted just 19 months and ended in April 1944 afiera total of 4,403 had been manufactured, in 32 tothe Royal Navy Fleet Aie Arm, ht ended, 17 Zeroes had gone down, with uding. F6F-3 (04934) is seen parked on the flight test ramp at NATC Patuxent River, Maryland, on 20 April 1944. (U.S. Navy via Hal Andrews)Nose Development The outstanding aircraft engine of WWI - the Pratt & Whitney R2800 seon here in 1942. Powerful and never reluctant, it could absorb heavy battle damage and continue to run, unlike liquide cooled engines. (United Technologies Archive) FOF-3 (26093) is factory fresh after emerging from the Grumman paint shop. She carries the blue surround insignia authorized on 29 June 1943. (Grumman) ‘The fourth F6F-3 (right) retains the exhaust pattern and bulky landing gear fairings of the prototype (left)F6F-3 (04843), the 69th production Hellcat, had the early blue/gray over light gray paint ‘schome and standard six-position national insignia roundols in March 1943. (Grumman) This is the F6F-3's main instrument panel.= ais ss = = Freshly-assembled F6F-5 Hellcats await Navy flight acceptance in 1945. White ferry numbers on the nose are the last three digits oftheir assigned BuNos. (Grumman) ‘This is an F6F-3 Hellcat production line at Plant Three in September 1943. An endless _F6F-3 Wing center sections roll down the assembly line to be mated with the fuselage stream of Helleats rolled down this assembly line at Bethpage for the duration of the on 18 February 1943. Grumman engineering produced a sturdy airframe that could war. (Grumman) withstand substantial battle damage. (Grumman)Manufacturer Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Bethpage, New York. Twe Cartier of land-based fighter Pratt & Whitney R2800-10 with 2-stage mechanical supercharger, rated at 2,000 hp. Wing span: 42 ft. 10 in. Length: 33 ft. 7 in, Wing area: 334 sq, f. Gross weight: 11,381 Ibs. Performance Max. speed: 335 mph (sea level); 376 mph (17,300 ft) Time to 20,000 ft. 7 min. Service ceiling: 38,400 ft. Stalling speed: 76 mph Take off run (0 kt. wind): 780 ft Anmament ‘Six wing-mounted .50 M2 Browning machine guns with 400 rounds per gun.Z : 24 — Training flight of F6F-3s fly in loose formation near Seattle in September 1943. These Hellcats were based at NAS Sand Point, Washington. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) FGF-3 (41343) of Operational Training Unit (OTU) VF-2, appropriately named ‘Bouncing This overturned F6F-3 No. 137 shows its bomb rack installation at the NAS Melboune Betty,’ made a wheels-up night landing after a training mission at NAS Melbourne, Florida on § October 1944. This Hellcat had colorful yellow and black trim on its nose. Florida, on 10 August 1944. (National Archives) (US. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) rF6F-3 (40193) is on a training flight from NAS Melbourne, Florida, in July 1943. Every Holleat pilat went through intense fight training at stateside bases. it paid handsome dividends in combat. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) The flight line at NAS Melbourne, Florida, on 19 April 1944, is full of F6F-3 Helicats. This three-tone finish F6F-3 with a stateside training unit carried the white markings, The main landing gear doors were removed to speed repairs from landing accidents. ‘L2,’ and the red-surround national insignia when this photograph was taken in 1943, (National Archives) (National Archives)VF-9 was the first operational Hellcat squadron deployed to carriers, Aboard the USS Essex, F6F-3s worked out the few problems of carrier adaptability. White No. 3 is ready for launch from the port catapult in April 1943 (National Archives) F6F-3 of VF-9 with wings completely folded, has just been brought from the hangar deck to the fight dock of USS Essox in April 1943 (National Archive F6F-3 No. 33 of VF-9 has wings locked into position aboard USS Essex during the shakedown cruise on 5 April 1943. A deck crew member is pulling the wheel chocks just prior to takeoff. (National Archives) ‘An F6F-3 of VF-2 takes a wave off, with just-anded Hellcats still positioned forward, waiting to go to the USS Enterprise hangar deck in July 1943. (National Archives)Saltwater exposure had faded the paint on this No. 26 Hellcat of VF-2 from the USS Hornet on 28 April 1944. Its drop tank was dark sea blue over white. (National Archives) F6F-3 No. 19 of VF-16 launches from USS Lexington for a strike on Milli island in Drop Tank and Bomb Rack November 1943. The squadron insignia is carried on the fuselage, just forward of the ‘cockpit. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) Bomb RackFOF-3 No. 2 of VF-51 flies a combat air patrol over its carrier, the USS San Jacinto, in July 1944. Heavy exhaust staining runs the length of the fuselage. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) FF-3 No. 80 of VF-10 traps aboard USS Enterprise in January 1944. The tailhook man FEF-3 No. 21 of VF-S cuts prop contrail as pilot, Lt. Jim Schiller, deck-launches from the is seen out of the catwalk. He stayed in position on the deck until the arresting wire ran_carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) in June 1943. The Yorktown was out of portfor shakedown ‘out in case the wire parted. A broken wire was deadly. (National Archives) training near TriFait aren — ‘Seen from the stern of USS Essex, the USS Langley with Air Group 44, and USS Ticonderoga, with Air Group 80, are followed by the USS Washington in December 1944. All the vessels are part of Task Group 38.3, (Paul Madden/USS Essex CV-.9) 7Cdr. James Flatley, Commander of Air Group 5, leads VF-S and VF-9 against Marcus Island in the Hellcat's combat debut on 31 August 1943. This early F6F-3 has been modified to carry 87.5 gallon drop tanks under the wings to increase the CAG's loiter time over the target. (Grumman) Deck crew fold the wings of F6F-3 No. 36 of VF-2 aboard USS Hornet. This Hellcat has .50 Cal. Gun Arrangement just returned from a strike on the Marianas in June 1944. (National Archives)M if F6F-3s No. 8 and No. 12 of VF-5 show variation of national insignia markings aboard the VF-27 Pilots line up in front of their F6F-3 in June 1944. Double Ace, Jim Shirley is 3rd USS Yorktown in September 1943. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) from right on back row. VF-27 was deployed to USS Princeton. (Jack Cook Collection) From USS Langley, an FOF-3 from VF-32 landed aboard USS Yorktown with heavy battle. F6F-3 No. 20 of VF-39 was ferried into the combat area aboard USS Gambier Bay. The damage suffered during a raid on Palau on 31 March 1944. The rugged Hellcat made it Helicat makes preparations to launch for the Marshall Islands base on 18 February 1944, (National Archives) back safely. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh)F6F-3 No. 25 of VF-1 brakes hard just before engaging the barrier aboard USS Yorktown F6F-3 No. 3 Little Joe’ of VF-51, whose nose-art depicted ‘snake eye’ dice, is seen on combat in June 1944 (Jack Cook Collection) patrol near its carier, the USS San Jacinto, on 20 July 1944, (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) Lt. jg.) Alex Vraciu, one of the Navy's leading aces (in a three-way tie for fourth spot F6F-3s of VF-8 prepare to launch from USS Bunker Hill for an engagement on 19 with 19 victories), heads for debriefing in USS Lexington's ready room after a mission. 1944, in the historic battle that would come to be known as "The Great Marianas Turkey (Grumman) Shoot.” VF-8 claimed 37 kills that day. (Grumman)a2 - Le = pc : a With little margin of error, F6F-3 Hellcat pilots of VF-10 land aboard USS Enterprise after Under Japanese attack, F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-28 are seen on the flight deck of USS a raid on Truk in February 1944. (National Archives) Monterey, part of Task Group 58.2, on 19 June 1944, (Hank WelmerU.S. Navy) Mark 8 Gunsight Emblazoned with large, white fusolage markings, F6F-3 No. 17 of VF-9 returns to the USS Essex from a mission in February 1944, (National Archives) The base of the Mark 8 gunsight projected concentric rings of light onto the sloped glass to aid deflection ‘shooting. The sight allowed pilots to aim rounds on an intersecting path ahead of the enemy's aircraft from any angie. the Mark 8 gunsight contributed to the Hellcat pilots’ accuracy and higher combat kill ratios,ras May 1944 found the F6F-3s of VF-1 flying in formation over the mountains of Hawaii top gun,” CDR David McCampbell, turns up ‘Minsi,’ his personal F6F-3 ‘These pilots and planes would soon be returning to combat. (U.S. Navy) Hellcat, from VF-18 aboard USS Essox in June 1944, (National Archives) The hangar deck aboard the USS Yorktown is packed with FGF-3s of VF-5 in July 1943. \War-weary F6F-3s prepare to unload from a barge at Mugu Beach, California, on 24 July Folding wings allowed five planes to be stored in the space it would take fortwo airplanes 41944, on their way back from the Pacific Theater. Many of these aircraft were refurbished to serve stateside as training planes. (National Archives) with their wings spread, (National Archives)‘The F6F-3, SBD, and F4U-1A parked side-by-side on the new coral fighter airstrip on Green Island in February 1944 convey a classic image of US Navy air power. (USMC) F6F-38 of VF-33 joined Corsairs and Warhawks in an attack on Rabaul harbor on 20 Pilot 0.C. Chenoweth (on left) and plane captain, Pete Holm, pose on the wing of "Ruth: December 1943. These Hellcats are lined up on Torokina Field, Bougainville. (National Less," an F6F-3 from VF-38 with one kill mark in late 1943. Chenoweth went on to ly with Archives) Tommy Blackburn and VF-17. (Jack Cook Collection)‘An F6F-3 undergoes a jet assisted takeoff (JATO) test with the aid of two 230-np JATO F6F-3 No. G25 undergoes ‘open air’ maintenance at Betio airstrip, Tarawa, on 25 bottles at NATC Patuxent River, Maryland, on 8 September 1944, JATO was never used November 1943. Sheltered repair areas were rarely seen at forward bases. (USMC) ‘operationally on the Hellcat. (National Archives) A battle-damaged FEF-3 with multiple bullet holes is seen at a sheltered rear area ‘June,’ an F6F-3 No. 14 from VF-38, rests on an airstrip at Munda in September 1943. facility in 1944. It is doubtful that this Hellcat saw any further combat use. (Jack Cook Several Nevy Helleat squadrons operated from jeland bases for short periods. (USMC) Collection)F6F-3N/E Icmay come asa surprise thatthe champion American nghe fighter arcraof WWI was the Grammar Hell. The top scoring Navy nighe ace was Lt. Wiliam E, Henry who had 10 victories with VE(N)-1 ile lying Hellas fom the USS In VEN med night igh Using shared British techn ix conjunction with the Spemy Co he ALA radar were land-based wich PV-1 Venturas and FU sill exe abouc the Corsa abilgy to be cartier pendence. During their five months of nighe combat operations, +kllsand produced two ofthe U.S. Navy five night aces. the Radiation Laboraory at the Masachuseats Institue of Technol lope airbome ALA radar. The Navy first combat night 2 Corsi. Serious doubts 24 of the FOF-3 Hellas pany, de fightereffor usin wed and asa resi, total o xe modified by Grumman into F6F-3Ns berween july and Seprember of 143, Eighteen FOF-3Es were produced in 1943 and equipped with the Westinghouse 3em APS rad with antenna) i a‘Rabom’ radar pod hung fom a Mk-5 bom rack under the lar was re scanne arboan! wing. The APS-4 airborne interception. The FF-3N enbat in November 1943. A ‘equipped with APN-I rio aimeters, APX APS6 intercepe radar. In the FOE-3N, the leading edge ofthe starboard w xy effective for serch, navigation, and bombing, but not well sted for 2 introduced in tal of 205 were produced and Foo) and the superior Spen ida canner was installed in a radome that was faired into the ing, The rdarscope was mounted in the center ofthe instrument panel and feared seach, interep, an gun aim modes. The sx. 5 rk ais ne fre and af While PV- sand FAU:-2 as night fighters wich outsanding sucess, the top scoring land based Maine night fighter squaconsal ew Hellas. Cape Rober Baird, of VM(N)-533, was the Marine Corps only night ightr ace. He scored al i of his noctumal victories while Ang Hales. pointand the rea Scatergun effect. Maine Corps us (Above) F6F-3N (41332), a factory-fresh night fighter, sits on the ramp at the Grumman plant late in 1942. This was one of the 205 F6F-3N Hellcat night fighters produced by Grumman. (Grumman via Hal Andrews) (Below) F6F-3N (41302) has a radarscope placod in the middle of the instrument panel in this photo taken at the Grumman factory in early 1944. (Grumman)Seen dake set (40234) No. 10 from VMF(N}-534 warms up on Oro 944. The squadron Insignia appeared on bo owing. (USMC) USMC F4U-1As taxi pasta ine of FOF-3N's of VM (N}-5354 parked ofthe runway ofthe F6F-3N Radome Orote Airstrip, Guam, on 21 August 1944. Both the Hellcats and Corsairs were part of MAG-21. (USMC)This factory-fresh F6F-3 Hellcat is seen during flight testing over Long Island Sound near Bethpage in 1943. (Grumman) F6F-3 No. 36 flew with ‘wheels down’ during a 1943 test flight near NAS Alameda, F6F-3 (04775) with its large landing gear doors was the first production -3 Hellcat. Heavy California. (Grumman) ‘exhaust staining Is evident as it sits at the Grumman plant on 4 October 1942. (Grumman) Eas :tyle markings, mass on the flight deck of USS. F6F-3 No. 22 of VF-5 gets the ‘GO’ signal to launch from USS Yorktown in June 1943. The Yorktown prior to the Marcus Island Raid in 1943. (National Archives) black No. 22 beneath the horizontal stabilizers was unusual. (National Archives) F5F-3 of VF-22 suffered landing gear failure during a hard landing aboard USS Cowpens An F6F-3 with yellow lettering and a red surround national insignia is craned aboard a in November 1943. (National Archives) cartier in San Diego, California, in 1943 (National Archives)Grumman test pilot Bob Hall flew the first prototype XFEF-1 (02981) ‘on 26 June 1942. ‘An early FEF-3, No. 13 of VF-9, took part in USS Essox’s shakedown cruise in May of 1943. FGF-3 No. 61 of VF-16 from USS Lexington was flown by Lt jg.) Eugene R. Hanks when he became ‘an ace in his first five minutes of combat near Makin ‘Atoll on 23 November 1943.F6F-3 No. 8 of VF-5 flew from USS Yorktown (CV-10) in September 1943. FOP No. 29 of VET from ihe USS Princeton in summer 1944. F6F-3N (40234) No. 10 flow with the VMF(N)-534 (on Orote Field, Guam, in August 1944.Lt. (g.) Hal "Field Marshall” Bunting flew F6F-5P No. 4108 of VF-81 from USS Wasp in November 1944, F6F-5 No. 37 of VF-3 was based aboard USS Yorktown in February 1945, F6F-5 No. 59 of VF-53 was aboard USS Saratoga {CV-3) in February 1945,Lt Bill Henry, the Navy's leading night ace with 10 confirmed kills, flew F6F-5N No. 5 of VF(N}-41 from USS Independence in 1944 On 18 August 1944, VOF-1's Ens. Aled R. Wood shot down two German aircraft over Lyons, France. The following day, flying the same Hellcat, Lt. (jg) Edward Olszewski shot down two more over the Rhéne “River. ee ©) Pw 4g. E.M. Olszewshe ‘Sub-Lt. Ritchie of No. 800 Squadron flew Hellcat Mk Il (F6F-5) from HMS Emperor in 1945. Ritchie became an ace in Hellcats with six kills, one of them a German FW-190.ae “ N {An F6F-3 early-production Hellcat is being towed into position to be craned aboard a carrier in 1943. This shotis thought to depict VF-9 preparing to go on shakedown cruise. (National Archives) FGF-§ No. 22 of VMA.331 has just landed on runway 16 at Wilmington, North Carolina, in March 1953. (Paul J. McDaniel) F6F-SP (72735) No. 65 of VMD-354 returned safely to its E| suffering damage in combat. (Bill Derby, Jr) jam base in July 194F6F-5 Hellcats from VBF-150 line up with F4U-4 Corsairs of VF-4 in the background at F6F-5s of VF-3 fly in formation near NAS Oceana, Virginia, in October 1945, shortly after NAS Wildwood, New Jersey, in 1946. (via Roger Besecker) the end of WWII. (C. Baumahn via Duane Kasulka) F5F-5 (79313) No. 16 from Reserve unit at NAS Grosse lle, Michigan, lands aboard USS. F6F-5 No. 220 from NAS Anacostia Is seen parked on the transient ramp at Blumenthal Cabot in July 1949. (Authors’ Collection) Field, Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1952. (Paul J. McDaniel)This very early production F6F-3, with large landing gear doors and belly tank and modified to carry four 20mm cannon, served as ‘blueprint’for the XFOF-2. (Grumman) XFOF-4 (02981) of NATC Patuxent River, Maryland, is armed with four 20mm cannon in this 11 February 1944 photo. Pilots, however favored the six .50-caliber armament because more ammunition could be carried for those weapons. (National Archives) The 20-MM gun recoiled in its mount, working a rachet which wound the ammo feed | drum spring,‘The definitive Hellcat and the final-production version was the Grumman F6F-5. The first production model (BuNo $8000), seen here on 12 April 1944, rolled off the Grumman production line in glossy sea blue paint. (Grumman) in April 1944, Gru «not truly a new model a the impeovements had evolved in late-productian FGE-3%. The heer cowing and the lat armored glass that became an integral par of ne windscreen. A servo and fixed trim tab were installed on both ailerons. The powerplant nd-true Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 00 HP. The top speed was raised to 391 mpl, the climb rate was asthe tied / water-injection engine that produced war emergency rating of 2 mproved, an additional 30 pounds of armor plate was installed in the cockpit area, and the tal assembly was strengthened. Approximately he first 1,000 FOF-5s retained the window a of the cockpit. Six Mk-5 zero-length rocket lunchers were installed under the outer wing panels and a Mk-51 bomb rack was installed under the inboard section of each wing and up ‘04 1,000 Ib bomb or 87.5 gallon drop tank could be carried on each. The Bureau of Aeronautics painting directive of 22 March 1944 instructed that all carrer based fighter aircraft be painted in overall gloss sea blue. Grumman made the paint scheme change in April 1944 at the same time that Hellcat production switched over to the FGF-5. Many of the late-production FOF-3s possessed several of the same external features of ealy mination of both the lower cow re, the only positive 1 oF the BuNo. A rule FGF-5s, i. window behind the canopy, flaps and the bulge over the exhaus stacks, and zero ways of distinguishing the FGF-3s from the FGF-5s i the paine 36 gth rocket launchers. There an began production of an improved Hellcat, designated FOF-5. It which can be applied to any photograph of a Helleat taken in the combat areas i: if ts in ti color, i's an FOF-3; if ts in overall sea blue, its an EGE-S. (Carrier-based aircraft were never repainted in the combat area work —and sometimes, not even then. Any aircraft that had outlived its useful combat life, was cither jettisoned (pushed over the side) or returned stateside for ovethaul. The later were not recured to combat. Thus all aircraft in che combat area retained their original factory-applied finish for the duration of their combat careers ‘Grumman continued to break one production record after another. In March of 1945. the firm established an all-time record by delivering 664 FGE-5's during the month at a cost of '$35,000 each — which was 66% of the cost of an F4U-1D at $53,000 each, In November of 1945, after building a total of 12,273, Grumman delivered the last Hellcat to the Navy, Helleats were credited with Japanese planes shot down in aerial combat in WWII, i.e, 5696 of ll the 9,258 shot down by U.S, Naval aircraft. The Hellcat's F4U Corsair with 2,140 victories (23%) cer WWII, FOF-5s served in Reserve Squadrons at Naval Air United States as late as 1953, at which time the lac Helleats were replaced by jet he over 12,000 built, onl refurbished and airworchy, sil fly coday as warbirds in the airshow circuit with the exception of repair ations throughout the ers, OF a few remain today in museums and in private collections. Some,F6F-5 No. 25 on starboard catapult, ready to launch from USS Solomons (CVE-67) in 1945. The Hellcat has large white lettering. (U.S. Navy via Larry Webster) F6F-5 No. 6 of VF-3 lands aboard USS Yorktown with heavy damage to the port wing on Cowl Development 419 February 1945, The rugged Hellcat could take punishment as well as dish itout. (US. Navy via Dave Lucanaugh) FOF-5S ‘The FOF-5 cowling fit more tightly than had the F6F-3 cowling, and the bulge over the exhaust stacks on the FEF-3 was eliminated on the F6F-S.F6F-5 (71426) has completed its test flight and is ready for delivery in 1944, The last three digits of the BuNo are painted on the nose cowling in white paint. Sometimes these erry’ numbers were removed by the squadron and sometimes they were just allowed to weather and wear off. (Grumman) F6F-3 No. 7 and FOF-S No. 4 of VF-30 fly combat air patrol in April 1945 with Lt. Roy Deck crew unfold the wings of the rocket-armed F6F-5 No. 104 of VF-83 in preparation Gillespie at the controls of the load Hellcat. (Jack Cook Collection) for launch from USS Essex on 19 April 1945. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh)F6F-5 No. 41 of VF-15 joins other Air Group planes, Helldivers and Avengers, on the flight deck of USS Essex on 21 October 1944, (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) ‘The pilot of F6F-5 No. 23 of VF-9 escapes over his starboard wing from an inferno of The cat-mouthed FEF-5 No. 7 of VF-27 has just landed aboard USS Princeton in the ‘burning fuel from a ruptured belly tank aboard the USS Lexington on 25 February 1945. late summer of 1944. The VF-27 had the most colorful Hellcat markings seen in WWIL The Hellcat got the deep six. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh)FOF-50 of VF-82 fly combat air patrol near their arir, USS Bennington on 14 February 1945. White arrows are emblazoned onthe rudder and both wings. (National Archives) Pilots, Ens. Alfred R. Wood (igh) and Lt.) Edward Olszewski (eft) ofthe USS Tulagi ‘ach scored two kll on successive days (19 and 20 August 1944) flying F6F-S Hellat F6F-3 and F6F-5 Comparison No. 8 (58173) of VOF-1 over Southern France. (Jack Cook Collection)il : z y Maes: f ‘After completing its mission, FEF-5 No 19 of VF-4 has wings folded and heads for USS A Navy plot climbs aboard FOF-6 No. 65 of VF-17 forthe start ofa mission aboard the ‘San Jacinto's hangar deck on 19 March 1945. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) USS Hornet on 27 March 1944, This was VF-17's second tour of duty. These Hellcats feature white prop hubs. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) ‘The assigned letter code 'F' appears on the tall and wings of F6F-5 No. 23 of VF-83 in ‘August 1945.’ was the letter assigned tothe USS Essex and replaced the geometric ~MK-5 Zero Length Rocket Launchers markings previously used. (Jack Cook Collection) fe Electrical connection atHellcat Aces A study by the American Fighter Aces Association has confirmed that the F6F-Helleat produce more U. S.aces (306) than any other aircraft of any service. Capt. David MeCampbell was the “Top Gun,’ the Ace of Aces.’ He was the tops ices, who survived the war ‘Campbell an: flew four different Helles as commander Mins’ and F6F-5s Minsi IT and ‘Minsi Il l Harris was the second-ranking Navy ace, with 24 victories, followed by Eu All sources agree on these top three Navy aces, but after that, it's total confusion, Vraciu in fourth spoc with 19 victories, with Charles Stimpson and Ira ot with 16 each, while completely ignoring Patrick Fleming with 19, 2, Haris scored his first wo kills in F4E Wildcats but an, Ens, Roy Rishi n one of the Hell Ss 164 Lt. (ig) Eugene Hanks became an ace in his fis was an ex NAP (enlisted pilot), Ens. Wilbur ‘Spider’ Webb who sported about 40 Japanese plane ‘TOP GUN’, COR David McCampbell of VF-15, who had 34 confirmed kits during WWI, reparng roland on the Orote airstrip. He dropped his Raps, joined the trafic patem and shot poses aboard his F6F-5 Mins! Il! with his plane captain aboard USS Essex in late 1944 : sag pole cares hcl dic RE De (ack Cook Collection) offically credited for only sx. Lz. Cornelius Nooy’s Hellat was armed with a 500 Ib bor when he of Japanese aircraft, Withou FEF-5 (70143) Mins I of VES, the assigned aca of Ace David MeCampbel has nite apne The hs wad Seco landed sboard USS Essex after Tewasa rare instance when a carricr-based Navy pilot had an aircraft that he might call his own, : - McCambell was an exception because he was an Air Group Commander and the CAG was usually sported ahead ofthe base were the other exception. For the ce their tour with a cir ing chat of a partic farther complica plane. A pilot wi ‘combat tour, a pilot would fly many differen planes, “Kill marks like these were typically emblazoned on many FOF Hellcats. 7 Eee ES eee \y Zn Zs 8 Sg ORE Pe is NES _ KOIKE eee ELADouble Ace, Lt. James S. Swope of VF-11 (the Sundowners), VF-16's Skipper, Lt. Cmdr. Paul Buie dismounts aboard poses for a photograph aboard USS Hornet in 1945, (Jack USS Loxington in November 1943. He had just completed Cook Collection) the first raid on Tarawa, t was Buie that coined the phrase reat Marianas Turkey Shoot ' (Grumman) Lt. Bruce Williams of VF-19 is seen in the cockpit of a Hellcat aboard USS Lexington in November of 1944, (Jack Lt. Richard H. May of VF-22 is seen aboard USS Cowpens Cook Collection) in 1944, (Jack Cook Collection) Lt. Roy Gillespie of VF-30, a Medal of Honor winner, is seated in the cockpit of a Hellcat aboard USS Belleau Wood in 1945, (Jack Cook Collection) Lt. Cmdr. Hamilton McWhorter Ill of VF-9 posed for this photograph aboard the USS Essex in March of 1944, (National Archives)F6F-5 No. 13 of VF-2 based on the USS Hornet is poised to load ordnance for a fighter- Lt. Harry Basore, VF-74 commanding officer, stands beside his FOF-5 HellcatNo. 8 aboard bomber strike in September 1944. (Jack Cook Collection) USS Kassan Bay off the coast of Southern France in August 1944, (Harry Basore) F6F-5 No. 18 of VF-21 lands on the USS Belleau Wood with a fouled deck and plows into his squadron's No. 8 with fatal results in the fall of 1944. (U.S. Navy via Peter Bowers) SSS : -F6F-5 (77867) from VBF-13, shown here in late 1945, was previously with VF-16 aboard F6F-5 No. 59 of VF-53 has landed on the USS Saratoga off lwo Jima with battle damage USS Randolph. L47 code is in yellow. (U.S. Navy via Richard Hill) to the port wing on 21 February 1945, The white stripe on the horizontal stabilizers. identifies this Helleat as a ‘day’ fighter. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) F6F-5s fly in the first Blue Angels flight demonstration team in 1946. Their Helicats were ‘soon replaced by the higher-performance F8F Bearcats. (Naval Aviation Museur/Hill FEF-5 No. 1 of VF-88 aboard the USS Yorktown on 30 July 1945 has the white ‘RR’ letter Goodspeed) code on wings and tail. (National Archives)F6F-5 from CASU-t (Carrier Air Service Unit) sits beside its successor, the nimble F8F-1 on Ford Island, Hawaii, in 1946. (Joe Genne/Pacific Aviation Museum) FGF-5 from CASU-1 undergoes a test of its landing gear retraction systom during a routine maintenance check on Ford Island, Hawail, in 1946. (Joe GenneiPacifc Aviation FOF =5 Instrument Panel, Headrest & Seat Museum)———— FGF-5 (77734) No. 1 of VBF-20 at NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1946 belonged to squadron Commanding Officer. The Hellcat had red nose trim and prop hub with white lettering. (Roger Besecker Collection) FG6F-5's No. 13 and No. 19 from VF-7S fly in formation near the coastline of New Jersey F6F-5 (71441) bolly landed at Yokosuka, Japan, just after VJ Day. Crude Japanese Jn 1946, These Hellcats had a green band and white numbers emblazoned on their tails. markings were then applied, likely by U.S. Marines, before this picture was taken on 8 (Ted Stone via Roger Besecker) ‘September 1945. (USMC)(Above) F6F-SP No. 134 of VF-84 on USS Bunker Hill prepares to launch on a fighter F6F-5P strike on Iwo Jima on 18 February 1945. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) The photo-Hellat, the F6E-SP, differed lite from the straight -5.Iewas modified to carry (Bottom Left) F6F-5P No. 70 of VMF-512, flown by Lt. Rodney Johnson, prepares to 9 aerial cameras, one in a recessed fuselage mount, just af of the port wing traling launch from USS Gilbert Islands in March 1945. EE70 markings were in yellow. (Lt. ond camera on the belly of the fuselage, slighty aft of the wing tailin Rodney Johnson via Adam Lewis) mance was virvually identical of defend varticipating ack, The photo (Bottom Right) F6F-5P No. 105 of VF-86, flown by Lt. jg.) Hal Bunting, prepares to tack for int 1 ot require an escort. depart on a photo mission from USS Wasp in early 1945. The squadron it wwadrons had ° just forward of the cockpit. (National Archives)‘Two of the three most famous Grumman-produced WWIl aircraft, the F6F Hellcat (bottom) and TBF Avenger (top), fly in formation near lwo Jima in July 1945. F6F-SP (72735) No. 62 was from VMD-354. (Bill Dorby, J.) 49F6F-5N (78692) No. 133 of VF-1L sits on a ramp in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1949. it features a Yellow 'SA113' marking under the port wing. (Ken Sumney) F6F-5N Following the success of the F6F-3N night fighter, Grumman manufactured 1,434 FOF 80 for the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, Flown by both the Navy and Marine the FOE-3N and 5N%s, inclu Comps from carriers and land bases, the FOF-5N had a higher top speed a bette climb rate than almost any ocher Allied night fighter The sime APS-6 intercept radar which had proved so succesful in che F6F-3N was again installed in the F6F-5N. Ocher modifications included a GR-1 aromatic pil and flame ddamper exhaust stack extensions. The flame dampers were often removed in combat. Late production FOF-5Ns d iered devastating firepower with a mixed battery of four 50 caliber ‘machine guns and two rapid-fire AN-M2 20mm cannon: The FGE-5N outlasted all other Helleat variants in flet service. Long after the othe Helleats had gone to the Training Command, reserve squadrons, and storage facilities, FOF The last FOF-SN was 5Ns continued to serve in night fighter detachments aboard the carie retired from the Navy from VC-4 in September 1953, 50 FGF-SN (BuNo 94244) is fresh from the Grumman production line and carries the large white ferry’ numbers on its nose cowling. This Hellcat is armed with the mixed battery of two 20mm cannons and four 60 caliber machine guns. (Grumman)Marine night fighting squadron VMF(N)-541's flight line of F6F-SNs plus a single F6F-: 01 ip on Peleliu in January 1945. (USMC) -5N No. 18 of VF(N)-90 waits on the flight deck of USS Enterprise during a lull in flight F6F-5N No. 55 of is ready to launch on a mission from USS Ticonderoga in June 5 on 12 March 1945. (U.S. Navy via Dave Lucabaugh) 1945, (National ArcF6F-SN (58801) No. 59 of VMF(N)-541 waits by an airstrip at Peleliu on 25 September FEF-5N No. 13 of VF(N}-41 prepares to launch from USS independence in October 1944. 41944, The white bar of the national insignia wraps over the base of the radome under the The white fuselage number 13 appears forward of its usual location under the cockpit. starboard wing. (USMC) (National Archives) \VME-511's F6F-5N No. 88, nicknamed ‘Hangar Queen,’is about to launch from the Marine _F6F-SN (78281) No. 3 was assigned to Antisubmarine Development Squadron Atlantic cartior, USS Block Island, on 10 May 1945. (USMC) during tests at NATC Patuxent River, Maryland, in 1945. (U.S. Navy via Hal Andrews)The FOF-5K was a post-war variant that was modified either asa drone, drone controller or utility aircraft used for targct-tow. The last known combat use of a Navy Helleat was as a ilies, radio-controlled, air-to-ground guided mise (an ealy ‘smart’ bomb) during the Korean War. During August and September 1952, sx separate, successful attacks by unmanned F6E-SK’s of Guided Missle UInit-90, each carrying 1,000 ly USS Boxer (CV-21) against heavily-defended targets in North Korea smh, were launched from the FGF-SK of GMU-90 (Guided Missile Unit) and AD-4Q of VC-35 prepare to launch from the USS Boxer for a drone strike on North Korea in August 1952. (John Woods) Colorful F6F-5K (94359) drone controller No. § of VU-3K sits on the flight deck of USS Boxer off the Korean coast in mid-1951. (John Woods) FGF-SK No. 33 of VU-3 comes in on a remote-control, pilotless landing at Naval Air /,Chincoteaque, Virginia, on 19 May 1956. (National Archives) FGF-SK No. 62 of VU-3K is overall insignia red with flat red antiflare panel and white lettering as it sits aboard USS Bonhomme Richard off Korea in mid-1951, booked on aF6F-5s No. 25 (99603) and No. 16 from New York Reserve Unit fly over New York City in. A whools-up landing at NAS Pensacola, Florida, in 1949, damaged F6F-5 (80199) No. 18 1948. An orange band on the fuselage identified this Hellcat as a Reserve aircraft. (John of the Naval Air Reserve unit based at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana. (Bill Crimmins) Campbell Collection) NFGF-5 (V77592) No. 25 displays Reserve markings of glossy sea blue with orange F6F-5 (V78897) No. 44 belongs to the New York Reserve Training Unit based at Floyd lettering and fuselage band at NAS Livermore, California, in August 1947. The national Bennett Field, New York, in 1947. (Roger Besecker Collection) insignia has been removed from the fuselage. (Bill Larkins)FOF. ‘An early Royal Navy F1, flies over Long Island Sound near Bethpage during its acceptance flight in July 1943. (Grumman) Hellcat F1/MK II Under the terms of the 1942 Lend-Lease agreement, approximat 10 percent (1,182) ofall Hellcat prod ro the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm ~ 252 F6F-3s (Helleat Fl). £850 FOF-5s (Helleat Mk ID), and 80 F6F-5Ns (Hellcat NF Mkll). The first group of F6F-3s arrived in Britain in July 1943 where they entered the Flet Air Arm service with Numbers 800 and 804 Squadrons as Hellcat Fl. Both squadrons embarked on HMS Emperor and their fist ‘operational use was ibratar convoy in February 1944, They were then involved in three major operations against the German battleship Tirpitz in Norwegian waters. During the Tirpitz operation in April1944, Number 800 Squadron Helleats engaged defending Luftwaffe fighters and inthe ensuing mée, three German fighters were shot down — ewo Bf 109s anda Fw-190, In August, HMS Emperor and her Hilkats joined the U.S. task force furnishing air cover for Operation DRAGOON (the invasion of Southern France) Mast of the Hlllears Fleet Air Arm service was with the British Pacific fleet during the last year of the war. By the end of 1944, 10 squadrons of Hellcat (mostly Mk II) were cmbarked on HMS Ameer, Emperor, Formidable, Indefatigable, Indomitable, and Khedive in the Pacific. The British Pacific flee joined with the American units, becoming Task Force 57 under the tactical control of the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet. ‘Another assignment was the reconnaissance of future landing sites in Sumatra and Malaya Number 888 Squadron Helleats, on HMS Ameer, were modified for photo-reconnaissance in wae allocate corting a by installing in their aft sections four cameras: two British F-52s, an American K-52, and an American K-18. Most of the armor plate and all six guns were removed in an attempt {0 compensate for the increased weight of the cameras. The 888 Squadron Hell designated Helleat PR MkII and camouflaged in an unusual shade of blue paint. Is believed tw have been a lighter shade of bl ‘fier riding our the big typhoon, Task Force 57 was on station for the Okinawa invasion. The British fleet carriers, with their steel-armored flight decks, proved their worth when a med with a500 Ib bomb gor through the CAP (Combat Air Patrol) and hit HMS Indefitigable atthe base of the island. The bomb exploded, killing eight men and making a large dent in the flight deck. The dent was patched with quick-setting concrete and the ship ‘was operating again within a few hours. Task Force 57's next assignment was the destruction of the Ka “Taiwan. During these strikes, enemy airfields were bombed (to crater the runways). In July, che British Pacific Flet joined Task Force 38 off the Japanese home islands cary fighter-bomber strikes. The top-scoring FAA Helleat squadron was number 1884 Squadron from HMS Indomitable, which shot down some 30 Japanese planes in aerial combat Helleats disappeared rapidly from the FFAS inventory afier VJ day. Many Helleats were simply jettisoned at sea. Only two squadrons survived into 1946, han sea blue. Kamikaze ikeaze bases in northern 55‘The third Hellcat F1 (F6F-3) delivered to the Royal Navy sits at the Grumman plant in July 1943. Grumman painted the FAA Helicats in British colors of extra dark soa gray and dark slate gray over sky type $ undersurfaces and applied the British national insignia. (Grumman) British-installed 8-f rail-ype rocket launchers appear in this 1943 photo of the 58th Hellcat Mk Il (F6F-5). It was delivered to the Royal Navy with a camera installed. (Grumman)F6F-5 (JX822) of the Royal Navy carries a pair of 500-Ib bombs on racks under its wings A Gannet 1 is seen here during a flight acceptance test over Long Island Sound in 1943, in this 1943 photograph. The faded out ferry number 822 is barely visible on the cowling. Grumman produced the F6F-3 (Gannet 1) Hellcat for the Royal Navy. (Grumman) (Grumman) F6F-5 No. 50, show here in about 1950, is one of 48 Hellcats provided to the French In this close call in 1944, an F6F-3 (Gannet 1) British Hellcat has just stopped short of for use during their conflict in Vietnam. The Hellcat was only briefly in service there, taking itself and another Hellcat into the sea. (Jack Cook Collection) however. It was soon replaced by the more powerful FEF Bearcat. (via Hal Andrews) T :Reserve Training Commands, some went into th uncries but unfortunately, the majority went to the boneyard. Compared to th (000 produced, only a relative few were spared as they were purchased by private individuals or organizations. Today, th remain only a handfl in f dition that can be seen at various warbird airshows across the country. Others are cosmetically restored to represent tit former military markings. Some of the surviving Helleas can be seen at museums and memorials such as the USS Yorktown at Pacriots Point, South Carolina; the National Space Museum in Washington, D. the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida; the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia; and the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. (Above) Marines have restored F5F-5K (94263), displayed at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, on 12 June 1979, in F6F-3 night-fighter markings. (Jim Sullivan) (Bottom Left) F6F-5 (79593) was originally an early-production ~5 Hellcat with the rear window. The Naval Air Museum restored it as an F6F-3 and itis displayed here aboard USS Yorktown on 8 April 2008. (Jim Sullivan) (Bottom Right) F6F-3 No. 31 takes to the sky at a Sabre Society Airshow in Hickory, North Carolina, in May 2003. It has been restored to represent a VF-1 Hellcat from the USS Yorktown. (Jim Sullivan)F6F-5 No. 4 (79683), restored in VF-85 markings from USS Shangri La, takes off during This beautiful, authentic restoration of F6F-5 (79192) in glossy sea blue with yellow S60 an airshow in Hickory, North Carolina, in May 1995. (Jim Sullivan Jr) ‘markings is displayed at the New England Air Museum in May 1992. (Larry Webster) F6F-3 (41930) carrios markings of VF-11 (Red Rippers), complete with squadron insignia F6F-3 (66237), appearing at NAS North Island on 11 February 1973, this Hellcat is in at an airshow in Gastonia, North Carolina, on 1 October 1967. The emblem over the excellent condition, considering it had spent 30 years at the bottom of the Pacific off the ‘exhaust says "Kitty Kat.” (Jim Sullivan) ‘San Diego coast. (Bob Lawson)‘XF6F-6 (70913) had the uprated R-2800-18C Pratt & Whitney engine and Hamilton Standard four-bladed prop. This aircraft was one of only two airframes converted to the XFOF-6 Configuration and delivered to NATC Patuxent River, Maryland, on 20 December 1944. (National Archives) With a top speed of 417 mph, XF6F-6 (70913) is the fastest version of the Hellcat XF6F: appearing here on 20 December 1944, The XFBF-6 never went into production, however, since the FF Bearcat was already coming out. (National Archives) The last Hellcat variant was the fastest Helleat of al, bu it never went into production. [~ In an atemp o improve the Hellas perfrmance, vo FOF-s 70188 and 70913) wer | retained by Grumman and modificd by insalling Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18C sriesengines | and Hamilton Standard fout-bladed propellers. These were designated FOF-6s, | Grumman tex pilot Pat Gallo made the FOF-6' fine Bight on 30 Augure 1944. A top speed 425 mph was attained bur it was too litle, too late, because the sensational XF8F-1 Bearcat had already flown and would soon bein production. The decision had been made that Hellcat production wo both Grum possibly gee by November of 1945 when Operation Olympic, the invasion of the Japanese phased out during 1945 in favor of all-ouc Bearcat production at and Eastern Aircraft (GM) plants. The Navy wanted all he Bearcats ic could home islands, was scheduled to begin. 60