The Grumman Aircraft Corporation, famous for its role as a supplier of robust U.S. Navy aircraft, received a request in June 1941 for a successor to the U.S. Navy’s front line F4F Wildcat fighter, then in production. The F6F was ordered into production prior to its first test flight in June 1942, due to the urgent needs of the war. Although the outward appearance of the F6F Hellcat was similar to the F4F Wildcat, it was an entirely different aircraft, whose design was influenced by the then superior Japanese A6M Zero fighter.

Grumman did a superb job with the Hellcat’s design, as it finished WW2 with over 5,000 confirmed kills and a win/loss ratio of more than 19 to 1. Its excellent maneuverability and handling characteristics in all flying attitudes, plus its heavy firepower made it one of the best Navy fighter aircraft to come out of the war. Its ability to take substantial combat damage and still return home, saved countless Naval aviators during the war, causing its manufacturer to become known as “the Grumman Iron Works”. Production continued through the war, ending in November 1945 with a total production of F6F-5 models at 7,870 aircraft. Upgraded and continuously modified, the Hellcat proved its worth as a superior carrier-borne aircraft, but also acted as a bomber and night fighter as well.

This kit comes with a detailed instruction set, decal markings for VF-17, VF-15, and No. 800 Squadron builds.