The unpainted XF6F-3 Hellcat Bu.No. 02982 June 1942
The Grumman XF6F-3 was the final prototype of the production F6F-3 Hellcat, a major development in the evolution of the Hellcat series. It marked the transition from the initial XF6F-1 design, which used a less powerful engine, to the final configuration that featured the powerful Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engine.
XF6F-3 Specifications:
Powerplant:
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp, 18-cylinder radial air-cooled engine
- Horsepower:
- 2,000 hp for takeoff
- 1,975 hp at 16,900 feet
- Propeller: Curtiss Electric 3-blade with cuffs and spinner
Performance:
- Maximum Speed:
- 315 mph (507 km/h) at sea level
- 380 mph (612 km/h) at 23,400 feet
- Climb Rate: 3,500 feet per minute
- Service Ceiling: 38,400 feet (11,704 m)
- Range:
- Normal: 1,090 miles (1,754 km)
- With external drop tank: 1,590 miles (2,558 km)
Weights:
- Empty: 9,042 lb (4,101 kg)
- Gross Weight: 11,381 lb (5,161 kg)
Dimensions:
- Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.08 m)
- Wing Area: 334 sq ft (31.03 m²)
- Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m)
- Height: 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m)
Armament:
- Six 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Colt-Browning machine guns mounted in the wings
Development Notes:
- First Flight: July 30, 1942
- Number Built: 2 units
- USN BuAer Number: 02982 (02981 was later converted to an F6F-3)
The XF6F-3 represented the final prototype form of the F6F-3 production Hellcat. After testing, the XF6F-1 was upgraded to XF6F-3 standards by swapping its original Wright Cyclone engine for the more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp. These two aircraft were used for flight testing and development of what would become one of the U.S. Navy’s most important World War II fighters, famous for its role in the Pacific Theater.
The XF6F-3’s performance enhancements, particularly its high-altitude capability and powerful armament, made it a formidable fighter capable of outpacing and outfighting many of the enemy aircraft it would face.