Hasegawa [B11] 1:72 F6F-3/5 Hellcat

The F6F Hellcat is a fighter plane produced by the renowned Grumman company, succeeding the F4F Wildcat. Alongside the F4U Corsair, it was a mainstay of the U.S. Navy during the latter half of World War II. The prototype order for the XF6F-1 was issued on June 30, 1941, and the XF6F-3 made its maiden flight in June 1942.

However, this aircraft was somewhat underpowered and did not meet the expected performance. Consequently, the engine was quickly replaced with the more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp. Mass production deliveries began in November 1942, and by January 1943, the first F6F unit, VF-9, was formed. Training began on the aircraft carrier Essex to challenge the Japanese Zero.

By the end of 1943, 2,545 F6F-3s were delivered. 252 of these were lent to Britain under a lend-lease agreement. From July 1943, they were assigned to the British fleet's mobile unit and saw combat in December. Some were even deployed in anti-Japanese operations in the Indian Ocean.

The F6F-5 is a redesigned version of the late F6F-3 production model, featuring the same R-2800-10W engine. Changes were made to the engine cowling, windscreen, ailerons, and tail section. The rear-view window behind the movable windshield was also removed, and armor protection was enhanced.

While the F6F was large and heavy relative to its engine output and wasn't necessarily a masterpiece in terms of performance, it was robust, maneuverable, and had excellent armor protection. It withstood damage well and had a low attrition rate. The high production number of 12,272 units, combined with Japan's struggles in developing a successor to the Zero, enabled the Hellcat to achieve a more illustrious combat record than its actual capabilities might suggest.

Specifications (F6F-5):

• Crew: 1
• Wingspan: 13.06m
• Length: 10.23m
• Height: 4.9m
• Wing Area: 31m^2
• Engine: P&W R-2800-10W
• Takeoff Power: 2,100 hp
• Range: 1,750km
• Maximum Speed: 594km/h at 7,300m altitude
• Armament: Six 12.7mm machine guns or two 20mm cannons plus four 12.7mm machine guns; two 450kg bombs.