WWII U.S. Navy Fighter F6F-3/5

The Grumman F6 Hellcat is an American, single-engine, WWII, semi-shell fighter in a low wing design. The F6 Hellcat was developed as a development of the successful F4F design. When designing it, 18-month-long experience with the operation of F4F in the Pacific and numerous comments of pilots fighting on Wildcat airplanes was used. Structurally, the F6 Hellcat resembled its predecessor with one major change. A low wing system was used, which allowed the landing gear to be retracted into the lower center wing instead of into the fuselage. This increased the track width and the stability in motion on the ground. Additionally, the cockpit armor was used and the ammunition was increased. The U.S. Navy's evaluation of the Grumman proposal resulted in an order in June 1941 for four prototypes - from the XF6F-1 to the XF6F-4 - each with a different powertrain. The XF6F-1 flight took place a year after signing the contract, but due to the urgent need to strengthen the Wildcats (F4F), the same