Friday, October 28, 2005
Friday Night Airplane Blogging
The Grumman F6-F Hellcat was the US Navys response to the Japanese Zero. Looking very much like its little brother, the Wildcat, it differed in a number of very important ways. With a Wright R-2800 "Double Wasp" 2,000 hp engine it was faster and could climb much better. The larger size also allowed for larger ammunition storage for its 6 .50 cal machine guns. It had a wider wheelbase for safer landing and, despite its size was very maneuverable. Beginning service in 1943, it quickly became THE carrier fighter in the US Navy, with 12,000+ being built in only 3 years. It was respnsible for destroying more than 6000 Japanese planes, including more than 160 in one day in the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot". For all its achievements, it was quickly phased out after the war. According to Warbird Alley, there are only 8 still airworthy.
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