Grumman F6F Hellcat

The F6F Hellcat was based on combat experience with the F4F Wildcat. However, the modification requirements were so different that Grumman chose the path of a new larger aircraft design, and the Hellcat was the result. The Hellcat is one of a family of Grumman “cats” (Wildcat, Hellcat, Bearcat, Tigercat) that were built during the 1939-1945 war years. The aircraft was of all-metal construction and was very popular with aviators, especially for its wide undercarriage, strong armament, rugged construction and good pilot protection. In total, over 12,000 of these aircraft were built.