Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat – White 5, VF-38, US Navy. New Georgia Island, 1943

Hobbymaster 1/72 scale HA1118: Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat White 5 Ruth-Less, Lt. Oscar Chenoweth, VF-38, Segi Point Airstrip, New Georgia Island, Sept 1943. Very low production run of only 200 models.

Length 7.75 inches Wingspan 7.25 inches

On April 4, 1944 the new F6F-5 took to the air. It was a much improved version of the F4F Wildcat. The designers gave the new plane a redesigned engine cowl for the engine that was now water-injected. The injection increased take off performance by 10% and increased the armament capabilities. Production of the F6F-5 lasted until November 1945 when Grumman had rolled out more than 900 5s. The UK received some of these aircraft under the Lend-Lease Act and they were designated Hellcat Mk. II. This plane was so lethal that it earned the nickname Ace Maker because of the large number of pilots that earned their 5 + victories while flying it.