Hobby Master, Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat, BuNo 78669, Yontan Airfield, Okinawa, May 1945, 1:32 Die Cast Model, HA0304

The F6F Hellcat was introduced in 1943 to compete with the F4U Corsair for use as a carrier-based fighter in the U.S. Navy. Despite the Corsair's superior speed, it had difficulty landing on aircraft carriers; the Hellcat had no such trouble, and was adopted as the Navy's preeminent fighter until the end of the war, helping the U.S. achieve air superiority in the Pacific. (The Corsair went on to have terrific success with the U.S. Marines.) The F6F's simple design made it the least modified fighter of World War II, and more than 12,000 units were manufactured. It remained in service with the U.S. military as a night fighter until 1954. This 1/32 scale, die cast model - an addition to Hobby Master's elite Premium Collection, and sporting authentic markings of the Hellcat flown by Major Bruce Porter of the VMF (N)-542 over Okinawa in May of 1945 - features realistic panel lines, a rotating propeller, an optional see-through cowling showcasing an incredibly detailed radial engine, a glazed canopy that opens, a removable pilot figure, a well-equipped cockpit with detailed instrumentation, foldable wings, full weapons complement including bombs and rockets, and optional-position landing gear. Measures approximately 12.75" long with a 16.25" wingspan.