The Grumman F6F Hellcat was a US Navy fighter introduced into combat in 1943. The Hellcat originally first flew on 26 June 1942. Being an improved version of the Wildcat, the F6F was initially mistaken by Japanese pilots for its predecessor when it first appeared in combat in 1943. The Introduction of the F6F allowed the US Navy to combat the A6M Zero on equal terms during the Pacific War.
US Navy Variants
- F6F-3 Hellcat - Original variant
- F6F-3N Hellcat - Night fighter variant
- F6F-3P Hellcat - Recon variant
- F6F-3K Hellcat - Conversion of F6F-3s and F6F-3Ns into drones
- F6F-5 Hellcat - Improved variant with redesigned cockpit and engine cowling
- F6F-5N Hellcat - Night fighter variant
- F6F-5P Hellcat - Recon variant
- F6F-5K Hellcat - Conversion of F6F-5s and F6F-5Ns into drones
