History
Descended from the Wildcat, the Hellcat, like several other American designs,
owed much of its success to its engine - the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp.
In contemporary terms, the F6F is a Wildcat on steroids, with nearly twice the
horsepower to go with its power plant's legendary durability.
Though many people consider the F4U Corsair the epitome of American WWII
naval air power in the Pacific, the Hellcat was, far and away, the Navy's most
successful fighter of the war, accounting for over 6000 air-to-air kills. It
was this homely work horse that stole air superiority away from the sleeker,
more nimble Japanese Zero.
The Hellcat in Air Warrior
The F6F is the best example of the phrase, the whole is greater than the sum of
its parts. The Cat is not fast; only the Zero is slower. Both the Ki-84 and
the Zeke can out-turn it. The Corsair and the Lightning can out-climb it.
Nonetheless, the Hellcat has rapidly become the most popular fighter in the
Pacific theater because of its combination of attributes - though great at
nothing, it does everything well. It has a good climb rate, turns beautifully -
particularly at high speeds - is very durable, and possesses, along with
the Corsair, the largest ammo load of any fighter.
The F6F-3 in Full Realism
One historical aspect of the Hellcat comes sharply into play under full realism
- it is extremely forgiving. Unlike many fighters, you can really horse the Cat
around. While it is capable of some rather determined spins, it will accept
much mishandling before it enters one.
Virtues
Aside from its easy-going departure characteristics, the Hellcat dives well and
has a remarkable ability to turn at high speeds. It can absorb a lot of
punishment, and has a plentiful supply of ammunition.
Vices
Although many players stallfight in the Cat, it can be easily out-turned at low
speed by Franks and Zekes. It also bleeds energy relative to the Corsair,
Mustang, and Lightning. Finally, despite its reluctance to depart, the F6F can
get into nasty spins if pushed beyond its generous limits.
The F6F-3 in Scenarios
The Cat has two important scenario play strengths: range, and its already noted
ammo load. It lacks, however, good high altitude performance. The Corsair,
Mustang, and Thunderbolt are all better performers above 35,000 feet.
Fortunately for the F6F in historically based scenarios, all the better high
altitude fighters also fly on the Allied side.
Tips
Keep the Cat fast. It achieves its best turning performance at speeds between
250 and 275 knots. Even if it gets slow, however, it's not as helpless as a
Stang, Jug, or Hog at low speed. You can devour those fighters in a stallfight,
but be easy meat for a Zeke, or Ki.
Stay off the flaps. The Hellcat has two position flaps - full up or full down
- and the down position is for increased drag for landing, not for maneuvering.
Munitions
Armament Ammo Load Payload
6-.50 cal. machine guns 2350 rounds 2-550 lb. bombs
Performance
| Armament | Ammo Load | Payload |
| 6-.50 cal. machine guns | 2350 rounds | 2-550 lb. bombs |