F6F Hellcat: Grumman’s Ace Maker in World War II

The Grumman F6F Hellcat formed the backbone of America’s carrier-based fighter force as the Allies pressed the war toward Japan. Powered by a massive and reliable Pratt & Whitney radial engine, the Hellcat racked up an incredible 19:1 kill ratio against its foes in WWII, and 305 aviators earned ace status while flying the Hellcat. Such famed US naval aces as David McCampbell, Cecil Harris, Eugene Valencia, and Alex Vraciu all flew the Hellcat. In addition to its wing-mounted .50-calibre machine guns, the F6F was equipped to carry bombs as well, allowing pilots to deliver up to 2,000 pounds of bombs on targets. By the time that Hellcat production ended in November 1945, 12,275 examples had rolled off Grumman’s Bethpage, Long Island, assembly line. Through carefully researched photos, many never before published, the history and details of this iconic aircraft are revealed. Part of the Legends of Warfare series. AUTHOR: Author of over 100 books, David Doyle’s aviation books are noted for their thorough coverage of historic aircraft and his celebrated ability to locate scarce vintage imagery. SELLING POINTS: . A photographic history of the F6F Hellcat, America’s most lethal naval fighter of WWII . Traces the Hellcat from inception, testing, production, and combat service with the US fleet . Profusely illustrated with scarce archival photographs, including previously unpublished images 210 colour and b/w photographs