Grumman F6F-3 "Hellcat"

In October 1942, just five months after the XF6F-3 flew, the first production F6F-3 took flight.
The F6F-3 differed externally from the prototype by an optimized, bulky landing gear cowling, the replacement of the Curtis electric propeller and large spinner with a Hamilton-standard feathered propeller, and minor modifications to the engine cowling and exhaust ports.
Several minor design flaws were quickly corrected, and by January 16, 1943, Grumman was delivering Hellcats to the Navy. More than 2,500 had been delivered by the end of 1943. It was planned to use a mid-mounted 150-gallon drop tank.
The first F6F-3s were powered by the P&W R2800-10, while later F6F-3s featured the more powerful R2800-10W with water injection.
As with the prototypes, the armament consisted of six .50-caliber machine guns.
Production of the F6F-3 ceased in April 1944 after 4,402 aircraft had been delivered.
Under the Lend-Lease Act, the United States provided 252 F6F-3s to the British Fleet Air Arm.

Plastic model kit

• with photo-etched parts

Scale 1:32

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included