Chino Airshow 2006
Grumman F6F Hellcat
The F6F Hellcat was
designed as a replacement for the F4F Wildcat. Using lessons learned
from previous carrier-based fighters, the Hellcat was developed
quickly. More armor plating was added to the airplane as well as a
bigger ammunition load than the Wildcat. The Hellcat carried 6 .50
caliber machine guns.
The Hellcat below is a
1944 F6F-5 registered to Pond Warbirds in Palm Springs.
The Hellcat below is an
F6F-3 that is owned and operated by the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino.
In the last 3 shots, the aircraft had a landing gear problem on
Saturday that had all of us concerned. The gear at first did not fully
retract. Then one gear was down and the other was partially retracted,
a bad situation. Fortunately, they got it sorted out and he came around
with both gear down and locked for a safe landing.
