Difference between revisions of "F6F-5"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 +
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_F6F-5Hellcat.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_F6F-5Hellcat.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
 
+
{{Break}}
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{{break}}
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, starting out as the '''F6F-3 ''Hellcat''''' and was remodeled and updated to the '''F6F-5 ''Hellcat''''' in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in game since the start of the Open Beta Test starting out as the '''F6F-3 ''Hellcat''''' and was remodeled and updated to the '''F6F-5 ''Hellcat''''' in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].  
 
  
 
The Grumman F6F ''Hellcat'' was used extensively in the Pacific Theater of WWII. The Hellcat was the ultimate answer against extremely manoeuvrable Japanese [[A6M2|Zeroes]]. This plane greatly outperformed the Zero when taking advantage of high speeds and altitudes. The ''Hellcat'' can carry versatile payloads which will allow it to be utilized in various operations to include ground attack.
 
The Grumman F6F ''Hellcat'' was used extensively in the Pacific Theater of WWII. The Hellcat was the ultimate answer against extremely manoeuvrable Japanese [[A6M2|Zeroes]]. This plane greatly outperformed the Zero when taking advantage of high speeds and altitudes. The ''Hellcat'' can carry versatile payloads which will allow it to be utilized in various operations to include ground attack.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
Due to its role as a naval fighter, the F6F-5's take-off distance is small enough to take flight from the carrier decks seen in the game.
 
Due to its role as a naval fighter, the F6F-5's take-off distance is small enough to take flight from the carrier decks seen in the game.
  
 
Powered by a high-output Pratt & Whitney engine, the F6F-5's flight performance centres around this powerful engine combined with a sturdy fuselage. While the bulk makes the plane quite sluggish compared to some of its contemporaries, the characteristics are still favourable for energy retention. This makes the plane very favourable for Boom-n-Zoom tactics against enemies.
 
Powered by a high-output Pratt & Whitney engine, the F6F-5's flight performance centres around this powerful engine combined with a sturdy fuselage. While the bulk makes the plane quite sluggish compared to some of its contemporaries, the characteristics are still favourable for energy retention. This makes the plane very favourable for Boom-n-Zoom tactics against enemies.
  
−
====Stat card====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
|-
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,730 m)
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 603 || 585 || 11,000 || 21.7 || 22.3 || 7.2 || 9.1 || 399
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
+
! Stock
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
| 620 || 599 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.6 || 22.4 || 8.9 || 8.9 || rowspan="2" | 399
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Upgraded
−
! RB
+
| 681 || 647 || 19.4 || 20.5 || 17.7 || 12.6
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 657 || 629 || 11,000 || 19.2 || 20.5 || 20.5 || 12.6 || 399
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 839 || 450 || 520 || ~10 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 510 || 510 || 310 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 450 || < 420 || < 420 || > 200
 
| < 450 || < 420 || < 420 || > 200
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 518 m || 2,000 hp || 2,248 hp  
+
| 518 m || 2,000 hp || 2,248 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,785 m || 1,800 hp || 2,023 hp  
+
| 4,785 m || 1,800 hp || 2,023 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 6,000 m || 1,650 hp || 1,855 hp  
+
| 6,000 m || 1,650 hp || 1,855 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 6 x 12.7 mm [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning]] machine guns (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
  
 
The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three on each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.
 
The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three on each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.
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=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
The options available for the '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' are:
+
{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|Tiny Tim|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
+
* Without load
−
* 2 x 298 mm Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets
−
* 2 x 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
−
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13 torpedo
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while its moderate high-speed manoeuvrability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent aircraft to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have a particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (373+ mph).
 
The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while its moderate high-speed manoeuvrability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent aircraft to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have a particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (373+ mph).
  
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It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls whilst piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will greatly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.
 
It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls whilst piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will greatly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.
  
−
You must climb as high as you can - altitude is life, and once you dive, you can't get it back. Once you're on the deck, you're toast.  
+
You must climb as high as you can - altitude is life, and once you dive, you can't get it back. Once you're on the deck, you're toast.
  
 
'''Keep in mind:'''
 
'''Keep in mind:'''
  
−
*It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
+
* It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
−
*Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
+
* Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
−
*While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
+
* While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
−
*This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.
+
* This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
+
|-
−
! Type  
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || Controllable || Not controllable || Combined || Controllable || Not controllable
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Despite its formidable reputation as the Zero killer, a Zero could still easily kill it if you are forced to fight on the Zero's terms
 
* Despite its formidable reputation as the Zero killer, a Zero could still easily kill it if you are forced to fight on the Zero's terms
 
* Slow acceleration
 
* Slow acceleration
−
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The F6F Hellcat was Grumman's next fighter after the successful Wildcat. The F6F was designed from the start to be the ultimate answer against the Japanese Zero. The Hellcat was the planned replacement to the Wildcat since Pearl Harbor. The aircraft was designed from the start to be a much bigger airframe. The plan was to create a carrier-based fighter with more ammo, fuel, and larger wings. The XF6F-1 Prototype was already in the works when the U.S. officially entered World War II. Grumman engineers knew they would have to create an aircraft that was faster and climbed better based on combat experience and data collected from the A6M captured in the Aleutians. The prototype flew in June of 1942 and was powered by a Wright Cyclone R-2600. The aircraft's performance was not satisfactory. The decision was made to replace the power plant with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp.  
+
The F6F Hellcat was Grumman's next fighter after the successful Wildcat. The F6F was designed from the start to be the ultimate answer against the Japanese Zero. The Hellcat was the planned replacement to the Wildcat since Pearl Harbor. The aircraft was designed from the start to be a much bigger airframe. The plan was to create a carrier-based fighter with more ammo, fuel, and larger wings. The XF6F-1 Prototype was already in the works when the U.S. officially entered World War II. Grumman engineers knew they would have to create an aircraft that was faster and climbed better based on combat experience and data collected from the A6M captured in the Aleutians. The prototype flew in June of 1942 and was powered by a Wright Cyclone R-2600. The aircraft's performance was not satisfactory. The decision was made to replace the power plant with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp.
  
 
The U.S. Navy needed a new carrier-based fighter. The Corsair and the Hellcat were both competing to fill that role. With delays in the F4U Corsair project, the Hellcat took the role as the primary fighter and never looked back. The new Hellcat excelled in nearly every way over the A6M Zeroes it faced. The Hellcat, unlike its opponents, featured self-sealing fuel tanks and additional armour. The Hellcat quickly gained nicknames like "ace maker". The payload options helped transformed the Hellcat into a multi-role fighter that propelled it to legendary status. During its service life, the F6F was credited with the destruction of over 5,200 aircraft. It remained in service as late as 1954.
 
The U.S. Navy needed a new carrier-based fighter. The Corsair and the Hellcat were both competing to fill that role. With delays in the F4U Corsair project, the Hellcat took the role as the primary fighter and never looked back. The new Hellcat excelled in nearly every way over the A6M Zeroes it faced. The Hellcat, unlike its opponents, featured self-sealing fuel tanks and additional armour. The Hellcat quickly gained nicknames like "ace maker". The payload options helped transformed the Hellcat into a multi-role fighter that propelled it to legendary status. During its service life, the F6F was credited with the destruction of over 5,200 aircraft. It remained in service as late as 1954.
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
"One of the best single-seater carrier-based fighters of World War II was the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. The Hellcat owes its existence to the long string of failures experienced by the F4U Corsair. The Corsair was meant to replace the F4F Wildcat, but the prototype was full of flaws, as were the first production models. So, it was decided that a modification of the F4F Wildcat would be designed to satisfy the needs of the U.S. Navy until the arrival of the Corsair. Thankfully, things did not go according to plan. The "temporary substitute" performed amazingly well against the A6M Zero and garnered too much praise to be cast aside. Production of the F6F continued well after the Corsair arrived and continued after the war. The F6F would still be active during many conflicts to come.
+
One of the best single-seater carrier-based fighters of World War II was the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. The Hellcat owes its existence to the long string of failures experienced by the F4U Corsair. The Corsair was meant to replace the F4F Wildcat, but the prototype was full of flaws, as were the first production models. So, it was decided that a modification of the F4F Wildcat would be designed to satisfy the needs of the U.S. Navy until the arrival of the Corsair. Thankfully, things did not go according to plan. The "temporary substitute" performed amazingly well against the A6M Zero and garnered too much praise to be cast aside. Production of the F6F continued well after the Corsair arrived and continued after the war. The F6F would still be active during many conflicts to come.
  
 
The F6F-3 was known for its superb speed and above-average maneuverability, and, according to official statistics, Hellcats destroyed 5,156 enemy planes, 75% of all kills scored by the USA's naval air force in World War II.
 
The F6F-3 was known for its superb speed and above-average maneuverability, and, according to official statistics, Hellcats destroyed 5,156 enemy planes, 75% of all kills scored by the USA's naval air force in World War II.
  
−
Production of the F6F continued until 1949, and 12,275 F6Fs (including 4,402 F6F-3s) were produced. The F6F was the most widely-used American carrier fighter in World War II."
+
Production of the F6F continued until 1949, and 12,275 F6Fs (including 4,402 F6F-3s) were produced. The F6F was the most widely-used American carrier fighter in World War II.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Images
 
;Images
−
<div><ul>
+
[[File:F6F-5 (Old Camo).jpg|thumb|none|300px|Old camouflage scheme of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F6F-5 (Old Camo).jpg|thumb|none|300px|Old camouflage scheme of the {{PAGENAME}}.]] </li>
 
−
</ul></div>
 
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 357: Line 327:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/2627/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> The F6F 'Hellcat']
+
* [[wt:en/news/2627/current/|[Vehicle Profile] The F6F 'Hellcat']]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 21:00, 29 September 2020

F6F-5
f6f-3.png
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/d/de/Cockpit_f6f-3.jpg
F6F-5
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.3 3.7
Class:
Research:6 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American naval fighter F6F-5 Hellcat. For other uses, see F6F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F6F-5.jpg


The F6F-5 Hellcat is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB), 3.3 (RB), and 3.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, starting out as the F6F-3 Hellcat and was remodeled and updated to the F6F-5 Hellcat in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was used extensively in the Pacific Theater of WWII. The Hellcat was the ultimate answer against extremely manoeuvrable Japanese Zeroes. This plane greatly outperformed the Zero when taking advantage of high speeds and altitudes. The Hellcat can carry versatile payloads which will allow it to be utilized in various operations to include ground attack.

General info

Flight performance

Due to its role as a naval fighter, the F6F-5's take-off distance is small enough to take flight from the carrier decks seen in the game.

Powered by a high-output Pratt & Whitney engine, the F6F-5's flight performance centres around this powerful engine combined with a sturdy fuselage. While the bulk makes the plane quite sluggish compared to some of its contemporaries, the characteristics are still favourable for energy retention. This makes the plane very favourable for Boom-n-Zoom tactics against enemies.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,730 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 620 599 11000 21.6 22.4 8.9 8.9 399
Upgraded 681 647 19.4 20.5 17.7 12.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 375 510 510 310 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 420 < 420 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
518 m 2,000 hp 2,248 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,785 m 1,800 hp 2,023 hp
Setting 3
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,000 m 1,650 hp 1,855 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10w 18-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
1,030 kg Radial Air
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,823 hp 2,225 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,803 hp 2,000 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 2,074 hp 2,476 hp
Realistic/Simulator 2,053 hp 2,250 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds 12 min, 10 seconds

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.
  • 3 mm Steel plates front and rear of the oil cooling system.
  • 3 mm Steel plate on fuselage top in front of the pilot.
  • 3 mm Steel plates under engine and oil cooling system.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F6F-5 is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)

The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three on each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.

The M2 Browning variant on the F6F-5 Hellcat is that of an earlier version of belts.

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), HVAR, Tiny Tim, Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)

The F6F-5 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo

Usage in battles

The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while its moderate high-speed manoeuvrability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent aircraft to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have a particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (373+ mph).

With dual 1,000 lb bombs and six HVAR rockets armed, the Hellcat is actually a stable game-ending platform in a pinch when the rest of your team is not ground-attacking. With the two 1,000 pounds of bombs and six HVAR or two Tiny Tim rockets, the F6F-5 Hellcat makes a great strike fighter. The two Tiny Tim Anti-tank rockets can also be good for taking out heavier targets. Sometimes, it is useful to save the Cat as your last plane just for that. You can always jettison the rockets and bombs if you're suddenly forced to dogfight, jettisoning the ordnance increases speed as well as climb rate, while also decreasing turn time.

It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls whilst piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will greatly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.

You must climb as high as you can - altitude is life, and once you dive, you can't get it back. Once you're on the deck, you're toast.

Keep in mind:

  • It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
  • Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
  • While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
  • This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
3 gears 		Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm ITC mk.III
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs LFRC mk.12
IV Engine injection Cover FLBC mk.1

Recommendation:
Performance and machine gun upgrade modules are a must. Unlocking the upgraded ammo belts well increase the lethality of this aircraft. This plane can be a powerful fighter in the right hands due to its performance. Unlocking the performance modules first to increase survivability.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can carry a lot of payload for a Rank II aircraft
  • One of the few fighters that can carry a torpedo
  • Very effective in either air-to-air or air-to-ground, very versatile
  • Bombs are mounted directly under the fuselage, very accurate when dive bombing
  • Very good dive rate
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Extremely efficient cooling systems
  • Lots of ammo
  • Cheap repair cost
  • Can take some hits
  • Decent at energy fighting, although not as good as the 109 F-4

Cons:

  • You have to fly at a very low altitude at very low speed to drop the torpedo, which is impractical
  • Only 3 salvos of HVAR rockets
  • Carrying the two 1000 lb bombs and the 6 HVAR rockets add also a worse climb rate
  • Slower top speed compared to other contemporary US fighters at similar BR
  • Higher stall speed than its Japanese counterparts
  • Poor climb rate
  • Control stiffening above moderate speeds
  • Poor roll rate
  • Large fuselage cross-section makes it an easy target
  • Guns mounted further on the wings making it harder to aim at a target that is smaller than you
  • Despite its formidable reputation as the Zero killer, a Zero could still easily kill it if you are forced to fight on the Zero's terms
  • Slow acceleration

History

The F6F Hellcat was Grumman's next fighter after the successful Wildcat. The F6F was designed from the start to be the ultimate answer against the Japanese Zero. The Hellcat was the planned replacement to the Wildcat since Pearl Harbor. The aircraft was designed from the start to be a much bigger airframe. The plan was to create a carrier-based fighter with more ammo, fuel, and larger wings. The XF6F-1 Prototype was already in the works when the U.S. officially entered World War II. Grumman engineers knew they would have to create an aircraft that was faster and climbed better based on combat experience and data collected from the A6M captured in the Aleutians. The prototype flew in June of 1942 and was powered by a Wright Cyclone R-2600. The aircraft's performance was not satisfactory. The decision was made to replace the power plant with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp.

The U.S. Navy needed a new carrier-based fighter. The Corsair and the Hellcat were both competing to fill that role. With delays in the F4U Corsair project, the Hellcat took the role as the primary fighter and never looked back. The new Hellcat excelled in nearly every way over the A6M Zeroes it faced. The Hellcat, unlike its opponents, featured self-sealing fuel tanks and additional armour. The Hellcat quickly gained nicknames like "ace maker". The payload options helped transformed the Hellcat into a multi-role fighter that propelled it to legendary status. During its service life, the F6F was credited with the destruction of over 5,200 aircraft. It remained in service as late as 1954.

In-game description

One of the best single-seater carrier-based fighters of World War II was the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. The Hellcat owes its existence to the long string of failures experienced by the F4U Corsair. The Corsair was meant to replace the F4F Wildcat, but the prototype was full of flaws, as were the first production models. So, it was decided that a modification of the F4F Wildcat would be designed to satisfy the needs of the U.S. Navy until the arrival of the Corsair. Thankfully, things did not go according to plan. The "temporary substitute" performed amazingly well against the A6M Zero and garnered too much praise to be cast aside. Production of the F6F continued well after the Corsair arrived and continued after the war. The F6F would still be active during many conflicts to come.

The F6F-3 was known for its superb speed and above-average maneuverability, and, according to official statistics, Hellcats destroyed 5,156 enemy planes, 75% of all kills scored by the USA's naval air force in World War II.

Production of the F6F continued until 1949, and 12,275 F6Fs (including 4,402 F6F-3s) were produced. The F6F was the most widely-used American carrier fighter in World War II.

Media

Skins
Images
Old camouflage scheme of the F6F-5.
Videos
Best naval fighters discusses the F6F-5 at 0:55 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters 
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
XF5F Skyrocket  XF5F · XP-50
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F7F Tigercat  F7F-1 · F7F-3
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Jet Fighters 
F9F Panther/Cougar  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-11 Tiger  F11F-1
F-14 Tomcat  F-14A Early · F-14B
Jet Strike Aircraft 
A-6 Intruder  A-6E TRAM
Bombers  TBF-1C
Export  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II
  ▄F-14A IRIAF
Naval Vehicles 
Patrol Gunboat Hydrofoil (PGH)  USS Flagstaff

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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