Difference between revisions of "Hellcat Mk II (Great Britain)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=hellcat_fmk1}}
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{{Specs-Card
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{{About
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|code=hellcat_fmk1
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| about = premium British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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| usage = other versions
 
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| link = F6F (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_Hellcat_Mk_II_Great_Britain.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 as the ''Hellcat Mk I'', but was renamed to the Hellcat Mk II in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 as the ''Hellcat Mk I'', but was renamed to the Hellcat Mk II in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. It costs 1,300 Golden Eagles.
 
  
−
The Hellcat Mk II is nearly identical to the American non-premium [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]], both can carry a wide array of weaponry for ground attack, but the Hellcat Mk II is at Rank III instead of Rank II like the American Hellcat, and has a good premium boost for Silver Lions {{sl}} and Golden Eagles {{ge}}, making it an effective researcher for many British Rank 4 aircraft. Just like the American Hellcat, it is easy to get to grips with and can be very fun to play.
+
The Hellcat Mk II is nearly identical to the American non-premium [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]], both can carry a wide array of weaponry for ground attack, but the British one has a good premium boost for Silver Lions {{sl}} and Golden Eagles {{ge}}, making it an effective researcher for many British Rank 4 aircraft. Just like the American Hellcat, it is easy to get to grips with and can be very fun to play.
  
−
The stock [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]] is equipped with six 12.7 mm Browning machine guns. The Hellcat can also be upgraded to carry either 6 x 127 mm rockets, 2 x 298 mm rockets, 2 x 1,000 lb bombs, or 6 x 127 mm rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. The Hellcat can also be upgraded to use the "New 12 mm MGs" which are more accurate and and less likely to jam.
+
The stock [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]] is equipped with six 12.7 mm Browning machine guns. The Hellcat can also be upgraded to carry either 6 x 127 mm rockets, 2 x 298 mm rockets, 2 x 1,000 lb bombs, or 6 x 127 mm rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 510 || 510 || 310 || ~12 || ~4
+
| 803<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 487 || 458 || 310 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 450 || < 420 || < 420 || > 420
 
| < 450 || < 420 || < 420 || > 420
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 518 m || 2,000 hp || 2,398 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4,724 m || 1,800 hp || 2,158 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 6,400 m || 1,650 hp || 1,978 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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.'' -->
  
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* 3 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on top of the fuselage
 
* 3 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on top of the fuselage
 
* 3 mm Steel plates under the engine and fuselage
 
* 3 mm Steel plates under the engine and fuselage
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
Research the "New 12 mm MGs" to get machine guns that are more accurate and and less likely to jam.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''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 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|Tiny Tim|HVAR|Mk.13/44}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
 +
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F6F-5.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)|1,600 lb AN-Mk 1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb AN-M66A2]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[HVAR]] rockets
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tiny Tim]] rockets
 +
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk.13-6 Case (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case]] torpedoes
 +
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,815 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 680 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 6 x HVAR rockets
 
* 6 x HVAR rockets
−
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 3 x Tiny Tim rockets
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo
+
* 1 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bomb (1,600 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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 Hellcat Mk I is an all-around excellent aircraft, being at home in many roles such as Bomber Hunter, Fighter, and Ground attacker. This plane is especially good in the role of Boom & Zoom, and for its Battle Rating, it can be one of the first aircraft at high altitude, ready to stalk its prey. You can turn-fight with the Hellcat's excellent elevator authority, but it is ill-advised, as aircraft of this battle rating you will encounter such as the [[La-5]], [[A6M2]], [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Spitfire]], and the occasional [[Yak-3]] will out turn you and turn you into Swiss cheese. This aircraft is legendary for its ruggedness and reliability in real life and is accurately represented in War Thunder. This aircraft is easy to land with its strong landing gear. The large radial engine and sturdy wings can take some hits and still make it home, and, as in the Pacific theatre, this plane was very hard to set alight due to its self-sealing fuel tanks. Don't jump out of your burning Hellcat just yet! You can take bombs and rockets to become a formidable ground attacker, and even take Tiny Tim rockets for extreme anti-ship and anti-tank capabilities. You will earn Silver Lions {{sl}} very quickly thanks to the Premium vehicle bonus. The M2 Browning machine guns can load Ground targets belts to destroy light vehicles easily, as well as medium tanks and light pillboxes (though with some difficulty). In the bomber hunter role, use Universal belts (as with the fighter role) as they contain the most Incendiary rounds to set nearly anything alight, double time. Just remember to not get carried away with staying behind bombers - they can shoot into your engine and set you alight; sometimes with no hope of getting rid of the fire. Though this aircraft is a Jack of All Trades, one may say this is a disadvantage itself - being master of none. Aircraft that excel in certain categories such as climb rate, manoeuvrability, and firepower can beat you if they play smart - but remember, if you play smart too, you may come out on top, even against very deadly aircraft such as the earlier mentioned Yak-3.
 
The Hellcat Mk I is an all-around excellent aircraft, being at home in many roles such as Bomber Hunter, Fighter, and Ground attacker. This plane is especially good in the role of Boom & Zoom, and for its Battle Rating, it can be one of the first aircraft at high altitude, ready to stalk its prey. You can turn-fight with the Hellcat's excellent elevator authority, but it is ill-advised, as aircraft of this battle rating you will encounter such as the [[La-5]], [[A6M2]], [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Spitfire]], and the occasional [[Yak-3]] will out turn you and turn you into Swiss cheese. This aircraft is legendary for its ruggedness and reliability in real life and is accurately represented in War Thunder. This aircraft is easy to land with its strong landing gear. The large radial engine and sturdy wings can take some hits and still make it home, and, as in the Pacific theatre, this plane was very hard to set alight due to its self-sealing fuel tanks. Don't jump out of your burning Hellcat just yet! You can take bombs and rockets to become a formidable ground attacker, and even take Tiny Tim rockets for extreme anti-ship and anti-tank capabilities. You will earn Silver Lions {{sl}} very quickly thanks to the Premium vehicle bonus. The M2 Browning machine guns can load Ground targets belts to destroy light vehicles easily, as well as medium tanks and light pillboxes (though with some difficulty). In the bomber hunter role, use Universal belts (as with the fighter role) as they contain the most Incendiary rounds to set nearly anything alight, double time. Just remember to not get carried away with staying behind bombers - they can shoot into your engine and set you alight; sometimes with no hope of getting rid of the fire. Though this aircraft is a Jack of All Trades, one may say this is a disadvantage itself - being master of none. Aircraft that excel in certain categories such as climb rate, manoeuvrability, and firepower can beat you if they play smart - but remember, if you play smart too, you may come out on top, even against very deadly aircraft such as the earlier mentioned Yak-3.
  
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|-
 
|-
 
| 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>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | 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
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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 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).'' -->
 
[[File:Hellcats in flight, 1944.jpg|thumb|400x400px|A flight of British Fleet Air Arm Hellcats from 1840 NAS in flight.]]
 
[[File:Hellcats in flight, 1944.jpg|thumb|400x400px|A flight of British Fleet Air Arm Hellcats from 1840 NAS in flight.]]
−
The American-designed Grumman F6F "Hellcat" fighter served with the British Fleet Air Arm (FAA) between 1944 and 1946. The aircraft was initially known as the "Gannet", but soon had it's name reverted to it's original, American name. The Hellcat was delivered in two variants; the Mk I, equivalent to the F6F-3, and the Mk II, equivalent to the F6F-5. Over 1300 Hellcat Mk Is and Mk IIs were used by the FAA between 1944 and 1946.
+
The American-designed Grumman F6F "Hellcat" fighter served with the British Fleet Air Arm (FAA) between 1944 and 1946. The aircraft was initially known as the "Gannet", but soon had its name reverted to its original, American name. The Hellcat was delivered in two variants; the Mk I, equivalent to the F6F-3, and the Mk II, equivalent to the F6F-5. Over 1,300 Hellcat Mk Is and Mk IIs were used by the FAA between 1944 and 1946.
  
−
====== Origins ======
+
=== Origins ===
−
During the Second World War, the British FAA found that the fighters it had were either obselete (the Sea Hurricane) or unsuitable for naval service (the Seafire). As a result, the UK acquired a large amount of F4F Wildcats, renamed the [[Martlet Mk IV|Martlet]]<ref name=":0">https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/06/29/hellcats-in-the-royal-navy/</ref>. The F6F, a successor to the F4F, was first flown in 1943, and immediately caught the interest of the FAA. As a result, the UK ended up recieving almost 1300 F6Fs under the lend-lease program: 252 F6F-3s (Hellcat Mk I) and 930 F6F-5s (Hellcat Mk II)<ref name=":0" />. These aircraft were initially named the Grumman Gannet (Mk I and II), but were later renamed the Hellcat in 1943 when the UK reverted to use American names for all of it's American aircraft<ref name=":1">http://silverhawkauthor.com/canadian-warplanes-3-the-second-world-war-grumman-martlets-hellcats-and-avengers-flown-by-rcn-and-rcnvr-pilots-in-service-with-the-royal-navy-fleet-air-arm_1068.html</ref>.
+
During the Second World War, the British FAA found that the fighters it had were either obsolete (the Sea Hurricane) or unsuitable for naval service (the Seafire). As a result, the UK acquired a large amount of F4F Wildcats, renamed the [[Martlet Mk IV|Martlet]].<ref name=":0">Msw. (2019, June 11). Hellcats in the Royal Navy. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/06/29/hellcats-in-the-royal-navy/</ref> The F6F, a successor to the F4F, was first flown in 1943, and immediately caught the interest of the FAA. As a result, the UK ended up receiving almost 1,300 F6Fs under the lend-lease program: 252 F6F-3s (Hellcat Mk I) and 930 F6F-5s (Hellcat Mk II).<ref name=":0" /> These aircraft were initially named the Grumman Gannet (Mk I and II), but were later renamed the Hellcat in 1943 when the UK reverted to using American names for all of its American aircraft.<ref name=":1">Skaarup, H. A. (2020, June 24). Grumman Martlets, Hellcats and Avengers flown by the Royal Navy. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from http://silverhawkauthor.com/canadian-warplanes-3-the-second-world-war-grumman-martlets-hellcats-and-avengers-flown-by-rcn-and-rcnvr-pilots-in-service-with-the-royal-navy-fleet-air-arm_1068.html</ref>
  
−
====== Service life ======
+
=== Service life ===
−
The first two batches of 188 Hellcat Mk II aircraft began deliveries in May of 1944, mainly to 1840 Squadron NAS (Naval Air Service)<ref name=":0" />. Eventually, a total of twelve NAS squadrons would be flying FAA Hellcats by the time of the German armistice. These aircraft saw service in the Mediterranean, off Norway, and in the Far East<ref name=":1" />. In one notable mission, FAA Hellcats escorted several squadrons of Blackburn Barracudas to an attack against the Tirpitz; the resulting damage put the battleship out of service for six months.
+
The first two batches of 188 Hellcat Mk II aircraft began deliveries in May of 1944, mainly to 1840 Squadron NAS (Naval Air Service).<ref name=":0" /> Eventually, a total of twelve NAS squadrons would be flying FAA Hellcats by the time of the German armistice. These aircraft saw service in the Mediterranean, off Norway, and in the Far East.<ref name=":1" /> In one notable mission, FAA Hellcats escorted several squadrons of Blackburn Barracudas to an attack against the Tirpitz; the resulting damage put the battleship out of service for six months.
  
−
In July of 1945, the four British aircraft carriers joined the Americans in the Pacific, serving as Task Force 37<ref name=":0" />. Though their air arm consisted mainly of Seafires and Fireflies, the HMS Formidable also carried the 1844 squadron, a highly-decorated NAS Squadron flying the Hellcat. 1844 would go on to become the most successful Hellcat squadron, notching a total of 32.5 kills while serving in the Pacific Theatre<ref name=":1" />. In total, British squadrons would achieve 52 kills while flying the Hellcat<ref name=":0" />. Though successful, the Hellcat's relatively late entry to service with the FAA meant that it would never achieve the success of it's American counterpart. Following V-J Day, the FAA Hellcats were quickly retired and replaced with indigenously-built aircraft such as the Hawker [[Sea Fury FB 11|Sea Fury]]. By the end of the year, 10 of the 12 Hellcat squadrons had re-equiped or disbanded; the last two Hellcat squadrons would be disbanded by mid-1946.
+
In July of 1945, the four British aircraft carriers joined the Americans in the Pacific, serving as Task Force 37.<ref name=":0" /> Though their air arm consisted mainly of Seafires and Fireflies, the HMS Formidable also carried the 1844 squadron, a highly-decorated NAS Squadron flying the Hellcat. 1844 would go on to become the most successful Hellcat squadron, notching a total of 32.5 kills while serving in the Pacific Theatre.<ref name=":1" /> In total, British squadrons would achieve 52 kills while flying the Hellcat.<ref name=":0" /> Though successful, the Hellcat's relatively late entry to service with the FAA meant that it would never achieve the success of its American counterpart. Following V-J Day, the FAA Hellcats were quickly retired and replaced with indigenously-built aircraft such as the Hawker [[Sea Fury FB 11|Sea Fury]]. By the end of the year, 10 of the 12 Hellcat squadrons had re-equipped or disbanded; the last two Hellcat squadrons would be disbanded by mid-1946.
  
−
====== In Game description ======
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Described as 'the most important Allied shipboard fighter of World War II' by record breaking test pilot Captain Eric Brown RN, the Grumman Hellcat was a single-seat, single-engine, all-metal fighter which entered service in 1943. Designed the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation under the direction of Leroy Grumman and William Schwendler, a prototype of the XF6F-1 fighter made its first flight on 26th June 1942. In October 1942, the first production version, F6F-3, was launched and the US Navy began equipping squadrons in January 1943.
 
Described as 'the most important Allied shipboard fighter of World War II' by record breaking test pilot Captain Eric Brown RN, the Grumman Hellcat was a single-seat, single-engine, all-metal fighter which entered service in 1943. Designed the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation under the direction of Leroy Grumman and William Schwendler, a prototype of the XF6F-1 fighter made its first flight on 26th June 1942. In October 1942, the first production version, F6F-3, was launched and the US Navy began equipping squadrons in January 1943.
  
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A rugged, well armed machine with a good blend of agility, performance and firepower, the Hellcat was one of the most successful naval aircraft of the war. Some 1300 Hellcats were delivered to Great Britain as part of the Lend-Lease agreement, and were withdrawn from service in August 1946.
 
A rugged, well armed machine with a good blend of agility, performance and firepower, the Hellcat was one of the most successful naval aircraft of the war. Some 1300 Hellcats were delivered to Great Britain as part of the Lend-Lease agreement, and were withdrawn from service in August 1946.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
[[File:FighterImage_Hellcat secondary skin unlock.jpg|thumbnail|none|Hellcat sporting 6 x HVAR rockets and 2 x 1000 lb bombs. Unlockable in-game skin: 1844th Squadron RAF, Fleet Air Arm.]]
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hellcat_fmk1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
 +
Image:FighterImage_Hellcat secondary skin unlock.jpg|<small>Hellcat sporting 6 x HVAR rockets and 2 x 1000 lb bombs. Unlockable in-game skin: 1844th Squadron RAF, Fleet Air Arm.</small>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|vIiQQ0PEmKs|'''Premium Review. British Hellcat Mk II. A True Workhorse''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== 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.'' -->
  
−
====== Related development ======
+
;Related development
 +
* [[F6F (Family)]]
  
−
* [[F6F-5]]
+
;Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era
  
−
====== Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era ======
+
* [[F4F (Family)]]
−
 
 
−
* [[A6M2|A6M2 'Zero']]
 
−
* [[F4F (Family)|F4F 'Wildcat']]
 
−
* [[Martlet Mk IV|Grumman Martlet]]
 
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
=== References ===
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
<references />
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain premium aircraft}}
 
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 11:25, 19 December 2023

▄Hellcat Mk II
hellcat_fmk1.png
GarageImage Hellcat Mk II (Great Britain).jpg
▄Hellcat Mk II
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.3 3.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:1 300 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄Hellcat Mk II is a premium rank III British 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 as the Hellcat Mk I, but was renamed to the Hellcat Mk II in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

The Hellcat Mk II is nearly identical to the American non-premium F6F-5 Hellcat, both can carry a wide array of weaponry for ground attack, but the British one has a good premium boost for Silver Lions Sl icon.png and Golden Eagles Ge icon.png, making it an effective researcher for many British Rank 4 aircraft. Just like the American Hellcat, it is easy to get to grips with and can be very fun to play.

The stock F6F-5 Hellcat is equipped with six 12.7 mm Browning machine guns. The Hellcat can also be upgraded to carry either 6 x 127 mm rockets, 2 x 298 mm rockets, 2 x 1,000 lb bombs, or 6 x 127 mm rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 5 730 m647 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude11 000 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-2800-10w
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 583 562 11000 22.9 23.7 9.8 9.8 399
Upgraded 643 610 20.7 21.8 18.6 13.6

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 + -
803 375 487 458 310 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 420 < 420 > 420

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear375 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • 3 mm Steel plate on both sides of the oil cooling system
  • 3 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on top of the fuselage
  • 3 mm Steel plates under the engine and fuselage

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB570 Sl icon.png
RB1 161 Sl icon.png
SB1 795 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts67 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 60 / 130 / 270 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
ITC mk.III
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 LB
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods pilon rocket.png
LFRC mk.12
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M66

Research the "New 12 mm MGs" to get machine guns that are more accurate and and less likely to jam.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The Hellcat Mk II (Great Britain) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The Hellcat Mk II (Great Britain) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hardpoints F6F-5.png
500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs 1
2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs 1
HVAR rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1
Tiny Tim rockets 1 1 1
2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,815 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 680 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 3 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bomb (1,600 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo

Usage in battles

The Hellcat Mk I is an all-around excellent aircraft, being at home in many roles such as Bomber Hunter, Fighter, and Ground attacker. This plane is especially good in the role of Boom & Zoom, and for its Battle Rating, it can be one of the first aircraft at high altitude, ready to stalk its prey. You can turn-fight with the Hellcat's excellent elevator authority, but it is ill-advised, as aircraft of this battle rating you will encounter such as the La-5, A6M2, Spitfire, and the occasional Yak-3 will out turn you and turn you into Swiss cheese. This aircraft is legendary for its ruggedness and reliability in real life and is accurately represented in War Thunder. This aircraft is easy to land with its strong landing gear. The large radial engine and sturdy wings can take some hits and still make it home, and, as in the Pacific theatre, this plane was very hard to set alight due to its self-sealing fuel tanks. Don't jump out of your burning Hellcat just yet! You can take bombs and rockets to become a formidable ground attacker, and even take Tiny Tim rockets for extreme anti-ship and anti-tank capabilities. You will earn Silver Lions Sl icon.png very quickly thanks to the Premium vehicle bonus. The M2 Browning machine guns can load Ground targets belts to destroy light vehicles easily, as well as medium tanks and light pillboxes (though with some difficulty). In the bomber hunter role, use Universal belts (as with the fighter role) as they contain the most Incendiary rounds to set nearly anything alight, double time. Just remember to not get carried away with staying behind bombers - they can shoot into your engine and set you alight; sometimes with no hope of getting rid of the fire. Though this aircraft is a Jack of All Trades, one may say this is a disadvantage itself - being master of none. Aircraft that excel in certain categories such as climb rate, manoeuvrability, and firepower can beat you if they play smart - but remember, if you play smart too, you may come out on top, even against very deadly aircraft such as the earlier mentioned Yak-3.

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent diving ability
  • Great bomb & rocket payload options
  • Great top speed
  • Good instantaneous turn
  • Well armed for its rank with a lot of ammunition
  • Decent climber
  • Very stable gun platform

Cons:

  • Below average turner against Japanese & British aircraft
  • Higher stall speeds than its Japanese counterparts
  • Control Stiffening above moderate speeds
  • Poor roll rate
  • Poor performance when equipping bombs and rockets
  • Large fuselage cross-section makes it an easy target
  • Spins are cumbersome to recover from due to poor rudder effectiveness

History

A flight of British Fleet Air Arm Hellcats from 1840 NAS in flight.

The American-designed Grumman F6F "Hellcat" fighter served with the British Fleet Air Arm (FAA) between 1944 and 1946. The aircraft was initially known as the "Gannet", but soon had its name reverted to its original, American name. The Hellcat was delivered in two variants; the Mk I, equivalent to the F6F-3, and the Mk II, equivalent to the F6F-5. Over 1,300 Hellcat Mk Is and Mk IIs were used by the FAA between 1944 and 1946.

Origins

During the Second World War, the British FAA found that the fighters it had were either obsolete (the Sea Hurricane) or unsuitable for naval service (the Seafire). As a result, the UK acquired a large amount of F4F Wildcats, renamed the Martlet.[1] The F6F, a successor to the F4F, was first flown in 1943, and immediately caught the interest of the FAA. As a result, the UK ended up receiving almost 1,300 F6Fs under the lend-lease program: 252 F6F-3s (Hellcat Mk I) and 930 F6F-5s (Hellcat Mk II).[1] These aircraft were initially named the Grumman Gannet (Mk I and II), but were later renamed the Hellcat in 1943 when the UK reverted to using American names for all of its American aircraft.[2]

Service life

The first two batches of 188 Hellcat Mk II aircraft began deliveries in May of 1944, mainly to 1840 Squadron NAS (Naval Air Service).[1] Eventually, a total of twelve NAS squadrons would be flying FAA Hellcats by the time of the German armistice. These aircraft saw service in the Mediterranean, off Norway, and in the Far East.[2] In one notable mission, FAA Hellcats escorted several squadrons of Blackburn Barracudas to an attack against the Tirpitz; the resulting damage put the battleship out of service for six months.

In July of 1945, the four British aircraft carriers joined the Americans in the Pacific, serving as Task Force 37.[1] Though their air arm consisted mainly of Seafires and Fireflies, the HMS Formidable also carried the 1844 squadron, a highly-decorated NAS Squadron flying the Hellcat. 1844 would go on to become the most successful Hellcat squadron, notching a total of 32.5 kills while serving in the Pacific Theatre.[2] In total, British squadrons would achieve 52 kills while flying the Hellcat.[1] Though successful, the Hellcat's relatively late entry to service with the FAA meant that it would never achieve the success of its American counterpart. Following V-J Day, the FAA Hellcats were quickly retired and replaced with indigenously-built aircraft such as the Hawker Sea Fury. By the end of the year, 10 of the 12 Hellcat squadrons had re-equipped or disbanded; the last two Hellcat squadrons would be disbanded by mid-1946.


Archive of the in-game description

Described as 'the most important Allied shipboard fighter of World War II' by record breaking test pilot Captain Eric Brown RN, the Grumman Hellcat was a single-seat, single-engine, all-metal fighter which entered service in 1943. Designed the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation under the direction of Leroy Grumman and William Schwendler, a prototype of the XF6F-1 fighter made its first flight on 26th June 1942. In October 1942, the first production version, F6F-3, was launched and the US Navy began equipping squadrons in January 1943.

The aircraft was powered by a 2,000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp radial air-cooled engine and a Hamilton Standard three-bladed propeller. Its armament consisted of six 0.50 calibre Colt-Browning M2.5 machine guns, with 400 rounds each, located in the wings. Weapon racks under the fuselage and under the wings could carry up to three bombs weighing up to 1,000 lb (454 kg) or six 127 mm High Velocity Aircraft Rockets. An external fuel tank could be mounted on the central rack.

Hellcats began equipping squadrons of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm in July 1943, starting with 800 Naval Air Squadron who used the American fighters to replace their Hawker Sea Hurricanes. In the British service the aircraft was initially named the Grumman Gannet Mk.I, but it was later changed to the Hellcat F Mk.I.

The Fleet Air Arm's Hellcats first saw action in December 1943, when 800 NAS launched a series of anti-shipping strikes off the Norwegian coast from the light escort carrier HMS Emperor. In April 1944, Hellcats formed part of the escort for a series of Fleet Air Arm strikes against the German battleship Tirpitz in Kaafiord; during the strikes Lt Cdr AR Richardson, CO of 1840 NAS, used his Hellcat's arrestor hook to tear off an enemy radio mast once he had run out of ammunition. It was during operations over Norway that Lt Cdr SG Orr and Lt B Richie both became aces whilst flying Hellcats. From June 1944, British Hellcats fought in the Mediterranean theatre and near the beaches of Normandy in support of the D-Day landings. However, it was with the British Pacific Fleet in the Far East that Hellcats were used in the greatest numbers by the Fleet Air Arm, including acting as escort for the mass raids on the Palembang oil refineries in January 1945. It was with the British Pacific Fleet that the Royal Navy's top Hellcat ace, Sub Lt ET Wilson, scored 3 kills and four shared. Royal Navy pilots flying Hellcats scored a combined total of 52 air-to-air victories.

A rugged, well armed machine with a good blend of agility, performance and firepower, the Hellcat was one of the most successful naval aircraft of the war. Some 1300 Hellcats were delivered to Great Britain as part of the Lend-Lease agreement, and were withdrawn from service in August 1946.


Media

Skins
Images

  • Hellcat sporting 6 x HVAR rockets and 2 x 1000 lb bombs. Unlockable in-game skin: 1844th Squadron RAF, Fleet Air Arm.

Videos
Premium Review. British Hellcat Mk II. A True Workhorse - Joseph 2000

See also

Related development
Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Msw. (2019, June 11). Hellcats in the Royal Navy. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/06/29/hellcats-in-the-royal-navy/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Skaarup, H. A. (2020, June 24). Grumman Martlets, Hellcats and Avengers flown by the Royal Navy. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from http://silverhawkauthor.com/canadian-warplanes-3-the-second-world-war-grumman-martlets-hellcats-and-avengers-flown-by-rcn-and-rcnvr-pilots-in-service-with-the-royal-navy-fleet-air-arm_1068.html


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

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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