Hasegawa [JT34] 1:48 F6F-3 Hellcat USS Essex

Scale: 1:48
Product Number: JT34

The F6F Hellcat is a fighter developed by the prestigious Grumman Corporation, succeeding the F4F Wildcat. Alongside the F4U Corsair, it served as a mainstay of the U.S. Navy in the latter half of World War II.

On June 30, 1941, a prototype order for XF6F-1 was issued, and in June 1942, the XF6F-3 made its maiden flight. However, this model was somewhat underpowered, and thus unsatisfactory in performance. As a result, the engine was promptly replaced with the more powerful P&W R-2800 Double Wasp.

Mass production began in November 1942. By January 1943, the first F6F unit, VF-9, had been formed and began training aboard the USS Essex, preparing to face the Japanese Zero.