Hellcat

Archival Summary & Scope

Designed to challenge Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Grumman F6F Hellcat became the most crucial Allied aircraft in the Pacific (1943-1944). It crushed Japanese airpower, dictated combat rules, and was credited with over 5,000 enemy aircraft destroyed, securing air supremacy and ensuring Allied amphibious victories. Aviation historian Barrett Tillman presents the Hellcat's complete operational history, from its development to the squadrons and heroes who flew it. Heavily illustrated with photographs from pilots' collections, this documented history is now available for the first time in paperback.