Hobby Master Archive

On April 4, 1944 the new F6F-5 took to the air. It was a much improved version of the F4F Wildcat. The designers gave the new plane a redesigned engine cowl for the engine that was now water-injected. The injection increased take off performance by 10% and increased the armament capabilities. Production of the F6F-5 lasted until November 1945 when Grumman had rolled out more than 900 “5"s. The UK received some of these aircraft under the Lend-Lease Act and they were designated Hellcat Mk. II. This plane was so lethal that it earned the nickname “Ace Maker” because of the large number of pilots that earned their 5 + victories while flying it.

On 15 December 1943, VOF-1 was formed and in mid-August 1944 joined Allied Forces for the invasion of Southern France named “Anvil-Dragoon”. The operation was designed to act like a giant pincer and cut off enemy forces still in Western Europe. Air support was provided by Royal Navy carriers as well as two from the USN carrying the only Hellcats to see operations in the ETO. One USN flattop was the USS Tulagi with F6F aircraft of VOF-1 (Observation Fighter) Squadron 1 on board. VOF-1 was specially trained to target spot for the naval guns during the pre-landing barrage for an amphibious landing. The pilot would locate an enemy gun and relay the information to the Allied ships that would then fire at this target. If the target was missed the pilot would then provide information to his gunners who would make the necessary corrections. Along with the target spotting the VOF-1 managed to down 6 German aircraft with Ens. Edward W. Olszewski and Ens. Albert R. Wood each scoring two while flying “white 8”.

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: 6 X 12.7mm (0.5 inch) wing-mounted machine guns 2 X 1,000-lb bombs, or six 127mm (5-inch) rockets

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1113 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat VOF-1 USS Tulagi August 1944

Die-cast metal.

Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.

Pre-painted with pad applied markings.

Comes with pilot figure.

Fully assembled.

Display stand included.

Option to display model with wheels up or down.

Minimum use of plastic.

Very collectable.