Grumman F6F Hellcat
Version overview
XF6F-1
Two prototypes with serial numbers 02981 and 02982, powered by the R-2600-10 Cyclone engine, were finally completed only the first of them.
XF6F-2
Expected designation of the version with the R-2600-16 turbocharged engine. The designation was eventually used for the F6F-3 serial number 66244, which was temporarily equipped with a turbocharged engine R-2800-21.
XF6F-3
The second prototype (02982) completed with the R-2800-10 engine.
F6F-3 (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat Mk.I)
The first large-scale version, a total of 4402 pieces were produced, of which 18 were converted to the F6F-3E version.
F6F-3E
The first night fighter version rebuilt in MCAS Quonset Point, equipped with AIA radar and Philco electronics.
XF6F-3N
The first factory conversion to a night fighter version.
F6F-3N
Serial night fighter version, built 205 pieces.
XF6F-4
Rebuilt first prototype equipped in October 1942 with an R-2800-27 engine supercharged by two mechanically driven blowers.
F6F-5 (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat Mk.II)
The most numerous series version, the biggest change was the installation of the R-2800-10W engine with water and methanol injection to increase power to 2200 hp (1641 kW).
F6F-5E
Night fighter version equipped with radar AN/APS-4.
F6F-5N (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat NF.Mk. II )
The most numerous night fighter versions, a total of 1529 pieces were produced and others were rebuilt from standard "day" machines.
F6F-5P
Reconnaissance version equipped with cameras in the fuselage, the exact number of converted aircraft is not known, because kits were sent to rebuild the units, but the number is estimated at 200.
F6F-5K
Approximately 300 aircraft loaded with explosives and used as unmanned remote-controlled bombs. Six pieces were used against targets in Korean War in August 1952.
XF6F-6
Two prototypes (serial numbers 70188 and 70913) with Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W engine and four-bladed propeller.
Version overview
XF6F-1
Two prototypes with serial numbers 02981 and 02982, powered by the R-2600-10 Cyclone engine, were finally completed only the first of them.
XF6F-2
Expected designation of the version with the R-2600-16 turbocharged engine. The designation was eventually used for the F6F-3 serial number 66244, which was temporarily equipped with a turbocharged engine R-2800-21.
XF6F-3
The second prototype (02982) completed with the R-2800-10 engine.
F6F-3 (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat Mk.I)
The first large-scale version, a total of 4402 pieces were produced, of which 18 were converted to the F6F-3E version.
F6F-3E
The first night fighter version rebuilt in MCAS Quonset Point, equipped with AIA radar and Philco electronics.
XF6F-3N
The first factory conversion to a night fighter version.
F6F-3N
Serial night fighter version, built 205 pieces.
XF6F-4
Rebuilt first prototype equipped in October 1942 with an R-2800-27 engine supercharged by two mechanically driven blowers.
F6F-5 (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat Mk.II)
The most numerous series version, the biggest change was the installation of the R-2800-10W engine with water and methanol injection to increase power to 2200 hp (1641 kW).
F6F-5E
Night fighter version equipped with radar AN/APS-4.
F6F-5N (Royal Navy designation - Hellcat NF.Mk. II )
The most numerous night fighter versions, a total of 1529 pieces were produced and others were rebuilt from standard "day" machines.
F6F-5P
Reconnaissance version equipped with cameras in the fuselage, the exact number of converted aircraft is not known, because kits were sent to rebuild the units, but the number is estimated at 200.
F6F-5K
Approximately 300 aircraft loaded with explosives and used as unmanned remote-controlled bombs. Six pieces were used against targets in Korean War in August 1952.
XF6F-6
Two prototypes (serial numbers 70188 and 70913) with Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W engine and four-bladed propeller.