In October 1942, just five months after the flight of the XF6F-3, the first production F6F-3 took to the air. The F6F-3 differed from the prototype externally by streamlining the bulky landing gear fairing assembly, replacing the Curtis electric propeller and large spinner with a Hamilton Standard full feathering prop and minor changes to the engine cowling and exhaust ports. Several minor bugs were quickly eliminated in the design and by January 16, 1943, Grumman was delivering Hellcats to the Navy. By the end of 1943 more than 2,500 were delivered. Provisions were made for the use of a centerline 150 gallon drop tank. Early F6F-3s were powered by the P&W R2800-10 while later F6F-3s had the more powerful R2800-10W with water injection. As with the prototypes, armament consisted of six. 50 cal. machine guns. Production of the F6F-3 terminated in April 1944 with 4,402 aircraft delivered. Under Lend-Lease, the United States provided the British Fleet Air Arm with 252 F6F-3s. Length: 10.2 m Wingspan: 13.0m Height: 3.9m Wing Area: 31.0 Square Meter All-Up Weight: 6,990Kg Empty Weight: 4,189Kg Engine: P&W R2800-10 rated at 2000 hp Max Speed: 611Km/h Max Range: 1,521Km Service Ceiling: 11,368m Crew: 1 Armament: M2 12.7mm × 6
- Item No: 02256
- Item Name: F6F-3 Hellcat
- Bar Code: 9580208022567
- Scale: 1/32
- Item Type: Static Aircraft
- Model Brief Length: 320mm Wingspan: 418.25mm
- Total Parts: 364pcs
- Photo Etched Parts: 1 fret PE for seatbelt
- Film Parts: 1 photo film sheet for instrument panel
- Total Sprues: 10 sprues, 4 rubber tires, one clear cowling.
- Paint Schemes:
- 1) Lt. Cmdr. A. VRACIU VF-6 USS INTREPID Feb.1944
- 2) Cmdr. D. McCAMPBELL CVG-15 USS ESSEX Oct. 1944"
- 1) Lt. Cmdr. A. VRACIU VF-6 USS INTREPID Feb.1944
- Released Date: 2008-02
- More Features: The kit consists of 354 parts in grey plastic with an additional 4 rubber tires, 20 clear plastic parts for canopy, 1 clear part for cowling