F6F-5 Hellcat white 49 of VF-6 carrier USS Hancock CV-19 April 21, 1945
The Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat was an improved version of the F6F-3, featuring several upgrades in terms of both performance and armament. It became one of the U.S. Navy’s most successful and widely produced fighters during World War II, excelling as both a fighter and a fighter-bomber.
F6F-5 Specifications:
Powerplant:
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W Double Wasp, 18-cylinder radial air-cooled engine
- Horsepower:
- 2,000 hp for takeoff
- 1,975 hp at 16,900 feet
- Propeller: Hamilton Standard Hydromatic
Performance (As a Fighter):
- Maximum Speed:
- 318 mph (512 km/h) at sea level
- 400 mph (644 km/h) at 20,000 feet
- Climb Rate: 3,200 feet per minute
- Service Ceiling: 36,000 feet (10,973 m)
- Range:
- Normal: 1,300 miles (2,092 km)
- With drop tank: 1,530 miles (2,462 km)
Performance (With Two 1,000-lb Bombs and Drop Tank):
- Maximum Speed:
- 263 mph (423 km/h) at sea level
- 314 mph (505 km/h) at 22,900 feet
- Climb Rate: 1,625 feet per minute
- Time to Altitude:
- 10,000 feet in 6.8 minutes
- 20,000 feet in 14.8 minutes
- Service Ceiling: 32,800 feet (10,004 m)
- Takeoff Distance (with 15 kt wind): 832 feet (254 m)
Weights:
- Empty Weight: 9,153 lb (4,155 kg)
- Normal Loaded Weight: 14,037 lb (6,373 kg)
- Max Gross Weight: 15,539 lb (7,055 kg)
Dimensions:
- Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.08 m)
- Wing Area: 344 sq ft (31.97 m²)
- Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m)
- Height: 11 ft 1 in (3.38 m)
Armament:
- Primary: Six 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Colt-Browning machine guns in wings with 400 rounds per gun
- Alternative Configuration: Two 20 mm cannons and four 0.50 in machine guns
- Bomb/Rocket Load:
- Up to two 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs or six 5-in HVAR rockets under the wings
- One 1,000 lb bomb under the fuselage in place of a drop tank
Notable Design Features:
- Strengthened airframe to accommodate the increased load of bombs and rockets
- Smoother, closer-fitting cowling for improved aerodynamics
- Flat-fronted windshield for better pilot visibility
- Spring-tab ailerons for enhanced control at higher speeds
- Windows aft of the sliding canopy removed (on most models)
- Provisions for underwing ordnance as mentioned above
Production and Deployment:
- First Flight: April 4, 1944
- Number Built: 7,870 units (with an additional 628 canceled)
- USN BuAer Numbers: 58000 through 58999, 69992 through 72991, 77259 through 80258, 93652 through 94521
The F6F-5 was known for its ruggedness, heavy armament, and versatility in combat, capable of fulfilling both air superiority and ground attack roles. It played a pivotal role in securing air dominance for the Allies in the Pacific Theater during World War II.