F6F-5N Hellcat 92 of VMF(N)-511 on board the escort carrier USS Block Island CVE-106, Okinawa May 19, 1945
During the Second World War, the US Navy initiated the development of the Hellcat as a single-seat night fighter. Although the F4U Corsair was also utilized for this purpose, the Hellcat was deemed more suitable due to its superior landing characteristics, which were critical for night landings on a moving carrier deck. Interestingly, the US Marine Corps ended up using the Hellcat as a night fighter more frequently than the navy did. These squadrons were highly effective during the Okinawa campaign between May and June 1945, effectively putting a stop to Japanese night attacks. Their success was a testament to the superior capabilities of the Hellcat as a night fighter.