{"product_id":"acadamy-plastic-model-kit-minicraft-grumman-f6f-3-5-hellcat-1-72","title":"Acadamy Plastic Model Kit Minicraft Grumman F6F-3\/5 Hellcat — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer and kit history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy and Minicraft have had a long relationship with aircraft kits, and this particular boxing is generally encountered as an Academy\/Minicraft kit. Kit databases list 2121 as an Academy 1:72 F6F Hellcat, while other references identify the same kit as Minicraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an older-generation 1:72 kit rather than one of Academy's newer, highly detailed toolings. It has nevertheless remained popular because the Hellcat is an important US Navy aircraft and the kit is inexpensive and relatively straightforward to build.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit represents the Grumman F6F Hellcat, with parts allowing construction as either an F6F-3 or F6F-5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe contents include the principal components for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Pilot's seat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Instrument panel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2800 radial engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Main wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Horizontal tailplanes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Vertical tail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Main and tail landing gear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Undercarriage doors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    External fuel tank\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Bomb\/underwing stores\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Canopy and other clear parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is moulded in plastic and is intended to be assembled, painted and finished by the modeller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA current UK example is listed as a 1:72 unassembled plastic kit, with kit number 2121 and Grumman Hellcat as the subject.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Grumman F6F Hellcat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grumman F6F Hellcat was an American carrier-based fighter developed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation for the United States Navy during the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was developed as a successor to the Grumman F4F Wildcat. Although the Wildcat had performed effectively against Japanese aircraft, Grumman's engineers recognised that a substantially larger and more powerful fighter was required to counter increasingly capable Japanese aircraft, particularly the Mitsubishi A6M Zero.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result was a large, robust single-engine carrier fighter with excellent range, heavy armament and considerable structural strength.\n\u003cbr\u003eDevelopment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat's development began in the early 1940s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe prototype, designated XF6F-1, first flew in June 1942. It originally used a Wright R-2600 engine, but Grumman subsequently fitted the much more powerful Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe R-2800-powered aircraft became the basis of the production fighter and was designated F6F-3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first production F6F-3 flew in October 1942, and the type entered US Navy service in 1943.\n\u003cbr\u003eF6F-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe F6F-3 was the first major production version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was powered by the Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp, an 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine producing approximately 2,000 hp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's design emphasised survivability and reliability. It incorporated substantial armour protection for the pilot and self-sealing fuel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis gave the Hellcat a reputation for being able to absorb damage and return safely to its carrier.\n\u003cbr\u003eF6F-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe later F6F-5 introduced several improvements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe engine was upgraded to the R-2800-10W, with water injection allowing substantially increased power for take-off and combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe F6F-5 also featured a revised windscreen and improved aerodynamic details. Some F6F-5 aircraft were equipped with rocket rails and could carry bombs or other external stores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe F6F-5 became the most numerous Hellcat variant.\n\u003cbr\u003ePerformance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative F6F-5 specifications include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2800-10W Double Wasp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: approximately 2,000 hp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 380 mph \/ 612 km\/h\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Range: approximately 945 miles \/ 1,520 km with internal fuel, depending on configuration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Service ceiling: approximately 37,300 ft \/ 11,370 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wingspan: 41 ft 10 in \/ 12.80 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: 33 ft 7 in \/ 10.24 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: normally six .50-calibre Browning machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Additional weapons: bombs and rockets could be carried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact performance varied between F6F-3 and F6F-5 aircraft and with the external load carried.\n\u003cbr\u003eArmament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard Hellcat armament consisted of six .50-calibre Browning M2 machine guns, three in each wing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis gave the aircraft a formidable concentration of forward-firing firepower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLater Hellcats could also carry:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    5-inch rockets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    250 lb bombs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    500 lb bombs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    1,000 lb bombs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    External fuel tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of heavy guns, armour, self-sealing tanks and a powerful radial engine made the Hellcat particularly effective in the Pacific.\n\u003cbr\u003eCombat service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe F6F entered combat during 1943, initially operating from US Navy carriers in the Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt rapidly became the principal US Navy fighter in the Pacific theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat was particularly effective against Japanese fighters because it combined good speed and climb performance with strong armament and exceptional durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also easier to operate from aircraft carriers than some earlier US fighters because of its predictable handling characteristics and robust landing gear.\n\u003cbr\u003eBattle of the Philippine Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat played a major role during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe battle became famous for the destruction of a large proportion of Japanese naval aviation, and the Hellcat was one of the principal US fighter types involved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe engagement contributed to the famous nickname “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUS Navy Hellcats intercepted large Japanese formations and achieved a substantial number of aerial victories.\n\u003cbr\u003eCombat record\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat became one of the most successful carrier fighters of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUS Navy and Marine Corps Hellcats were credited with approximately 5,000 Japanese aircraft destroyed, although exact victory totals vary according to historical methodology and whether shared or unconfirmed victories are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft achieved a very high claimed kill-to-loss ratio in air combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts success was not solely due to superior manoeuvrability. The Hellcat's strengths included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Heavy armament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    High power\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Strong construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Good pilot visibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Long range\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Effective armour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Self-sealing fuel tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Reliable engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Excellent carrier suitability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCarrier operations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat was designed from the beginning around carrier operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts large folding wings allowed more aircraft to be stored on carriers, while the robust landing gear and arrestor hook were designed to withstand repeated carrier landings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft served aboard numerous Essex-class and other US Navy carriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt became one of the defining aircraft of the US Pacific carrier offensive.\n\u003cbr\u003eNight fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA specialised F6F-5N version was developed for night operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt incorporated an airborne interception radar installation and additional equipment for night fighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis allowed Hellcats to operate against Japanese aircraft after dark and provided the US Navy with an effective carrier-based night fighter.\n\u003cbr\u003eRoyal Navy service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat was also supplied to Britain under Lend-Lease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal Navy aircraft were initially known as the Grumman Gannet in some documentation before the British designation system was standardised around the name Hellcat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBritish Hellcats saw combat with the Fleet Air Arm, including operations in the Indian Ocean and Pacific theatres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey were also used in strikes against Japanese positions and shipping.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat was produced in very large numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 12,275 F6F Hellcats were constructed between 1942 and 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe overwhelming majority were F6F-3 and F6F-5 aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the Hellcat one of the most numerous American naval fighters of the Second World War.\n\u003cbr\u003ePost-war career\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat remained in service for several years after 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs jet fighters became dominant, the F6F was increasingly relegated to secondary roles such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Training\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Target towing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Liaison\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Reserve service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Research\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Unmanned target aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe robust airframe nevertheless allowed some Hellcats to remain operational considerably longer than might otherwise have been expected.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistorical significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe F6F Hellcat is one of the most important American carrier fighters of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts significance lies not simply in its victory record but in its role as the principal fighter that enabled the US Navy to establish and maintain air superiority across the Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hellcat was specifically designed around lessons learned from the Wildcat and early encounters with Japanese fighters. It sacrificed some of the Wildcat's compactness and manoeuvrability for power, range, survivability and heavy armament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result was an aircraft exceptionally well suited to the carrier war of 1943–45.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504170443132,"sku":"Academy-2121","price":11.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/4A9992D2-7C47-4AA6-8D02-4DE8C62F4426.jpg?v=1790405193","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/acadamy-plastic-model-kit-minicraft-grumman-f6f-3-5-hellcat-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}