Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1103 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat French Navy 1F (Flottille-squadron) Indochina, 1953

Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent country. Weak from WWII France was unable to reassert its authority over the former colony. One of the carriers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin was the base for 1F squadron of F6F-5 Hellcats. “F” (Flottille), combat squadron - carrier and land-based - armed aircraft. 1F and sister squadrons were used to strike supply routes, bridges, railroads and close air support for troops. 1F Hellcats continued to fly sorties until July 21, 1954 when an agreement was signed in Geneva and France withdrew from Indochina.

Specifications (F6F-5): Engine: 2000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial piston engine Weight: Empty 9150 lbs., Max Takeoff 15,410 lbs. Dimensions: Wing Span: 42ft. 10in. Length: 33ft. 7in. Height: 13ft. 6in. Performance: Maximum Speed at 23,500 ft: 380mph Cruising Speed at 6,000 ft: 168mph Ceiling: 37,300 ft Range: 1,530 miles with 150-gallon drop tank Armament: Six 12.7mm (0.5 inch) wing-mounted machine guns Two 1,000-lb bombs, or six 127mm (5-inch) rockets

HA1103 This wonderful replica of Hellcat almost makes it possible to hear the thunderous roar as the huge rotary engine cranks over and begins to fire, belching smoke in all directions. An extremely well detailed and meticulously crafted work of art, the professionals at Hobby Master have gone to great lengths to provide you with a quality piece of aviation history. Great paint, terrific markings, optional canopies, weapons and more can all be found with this very heavy offering.

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE RETAIL VERSION