America's dominator of pacific skies: F6F-5 Hellcat – The U.S. Navy's Carrier-Based Champion

F6F-5 HELLCAT – OVERVIEW

Role: Carrier-Based Fighter
Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Introduced: 1944
Crew: 1

DESIGN AND FEATURES:

The F6F-5 Hellcat was the definitive version of the F6F series and one of the most effective naval fighters of World War II. It featured a more powerful engine, a redesigned canopy for better visibility, and strengthened airframe components for improved combat durability. The aircraft’s ruggedness and ease of maintenance made it ideal for intense carrier operations.

Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W Double Wasp radial engine (2,000 hp)

Armament :

6 × .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns

Up to 2,000 lbs (900 kg) of bombs

6 × 5 in (127 mm) HVAR rockets (underwing hardpoints)

Protection:

Armor plating for the cockpit and engine

Self-sealing fuel tanks

PERFORMANCE:

Max Speed: ~ 611 km/h (380 mph)
Range: ~ 1,530 km (950 mi)
Service Ceiling: ~ 11,400 m (37,500 ft)

OPERATIONAL HISTORY:

The F6F-5 Hellcat entered combat in mid-1944 and quickly proved its dominance over the Pacific Theater. It played a pivotal role in major battles such as the Marianas Turkey Shoot and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. With a kill ratio of over 19:1, it became one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the war.

Despite facing newer jet aircraft toward the war’s end, the Hellcat remained formidable due to its power, armor, and pilot-friendly handling. It was used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and continued to serve into the postwar years with several allied nations.

FACT:

the picture you see in this cockpit is the Gachatuber named Shanne. RMZSP's Friend in YT. (Her PFP looks different, so i used older one)