May 17, 2008 Chino Airshow
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 operated by the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and carries the markings of "Minsi III", the Hellcat flown by David McCampbell, the US Navy's top leading ace of WWII.