Difference between revisions of "F6F-5 (France)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Edits)
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_F6F-5France.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_F6F-5France.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
The '''F6F-5 ''Hellcat''''' is a Rank III France naval fighter {{Battle-rating|5}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
 +
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,730 m)
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| ? || ? || ?,000 || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! Stock
! RB
+
| 620 || 599 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.6 || 22.4 || colspan="2" | 8.9 || rowspan="2" | 399
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || ?,000 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || ?
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 680 || 647 || 19.4 || 20.5 || 17.7 || 12.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
+
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || || || X ||     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 71: Line 47:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 510 || ___ || 310 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 87: Line 62:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 432 || < 420 || < 420 || > 420
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 100: Line 72:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! Compressor
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
! Setting 1
 +
| 518 m || 2,000 hp || 2,398 hp
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
+
! Setting 2
 +
| 4,724 m || 1,800 hp || 2,158 hp
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
! Setting 3
! 100% Engine power
+
| 6,400 m || 1,650 hp || 1,978 hp
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plates behind the pilot
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plates behind the pilot
Line 142: Line 98:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|Browning_M2_(12.7_mm)}}
+
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun (400 RPG = 2400 total)
 
  
 
The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three mounted in both wings. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.
 
The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three mounted in both wings. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets, and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
+
{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|Tiny Tim|HVAR|Mk.13/44 (569 mm)}}
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
 
  
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 6 x HVAR rockets
 
* 6 x HVAR rockets
 
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 2 x 1000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedo
+
* 1 x Mk.13/44 (569 mm) torpedo
<!--=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
 
-->
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while it's average high-speed maneuverability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent plane to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have a particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (+373 mph).
 
  
With dual 1,000-pound bombs and six HVAR rockets armed, the Hellcat is a stable game-ending platform in a pinch when the rest of your team is not ground-attacking. The two Tiny Tim Anti-tank rockets can also be useful for taking out more massive targets. Sometimes, it is useful to save the Cat as your last plane just for that.  You can always jettison the rockets and bombs if you're suddenly forced to dogfight.
+
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while its average high-speed manoeuvrability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent plane to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (373+ mph).
 +
 
 +
With dual 1,000-pound bombs and six HVAR rockets armed, the Hellcat is a stable game-ending platform in a pinch when the rest of your team is not ground-attacking. The two Tiny Tim anti-tank rockets can also be useful for taking out more massive targets. Sometimes, it is useful to save the Hellcat as your last plane just for that.  You can always jettison the rockets and bombs if you're suddenly forced to dogfight.
  
 
It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls while piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will significantly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.
 
It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls while piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will significantly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.
  
 
'''Keep in mind:'''
 
'''Keep in mind:'''
*It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
 
*Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
 
*While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
 
*This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.
 
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
* It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
 +
* Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
 +
* While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
 +
* This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type  
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || Controllable || Not controllable || Combined || Controllable || Not controllable
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Tier
! Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Survivability
! Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
|  
+
| Fuselage repair
|  
+
| Radiator
|  
+
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
| ITC mk.III
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Compressor
|  
+
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
| FRC mk.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
|  
+
| Wings repair
|  
+
| Engine
|  
+
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| LFRC mk.12
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Engine injection
|  
+
| Cover
 +
|
 +
| FLBC mk.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle regarding its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad," "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate," "effective."''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
* Can carry a lot of payload for a Rank II aircraft
+
* Can carry a lot of payload for a rank III aircraft
 
* One of the few fighters that can carry a torpedo
 
* One of the few fighters that can carry a torpedo
 
* Very effective in either air-to-air or air-to-ground, very versatile
 
* Very effective in either air-to-air or air-to-ground, very versatile
Line 243: Line 202:
 
* Cheap repair cost
 
* Cheap repair cost
 
* Can take some hits
 
* Can take some hits
* Decent at energy fighting, although not as good as the Bf 109 F-4
+
* Decent at energy fighting, although not as good as the [[Bf 109 F-4]]
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
* You have to fly at a very low altitude at a deficient speed to drop the torpedo, which is impractical
 
* You have to fly at a very low altitude at a deficient speed to drop the torpedo, which is impractical
 
* Only three salvos of HVAR rockets
 
* Only three salvos of HVAR rockets
* Carrying the 2 x 1000 lb bombs and the 6 x HVAR rockets also add a worse climb rate
+
* Carrying the 2 x 1000 lb bombs and the 6 x HVAR rockets also adds a worse climb rate
 
* Slower top speed compared to other contemporary US fighters
 
* Slower top speed compared to other contemporary US fighters
* Higher stall speed than it's Japanese counterparts
+
* Higher stall speed than its Japanese counterparts
 
* Control stiffening above moderate speeds
 
* Control stiffening above moderate speeds
 
* Poor roll rate
 
* Poor roll rate
Line 258: Line 217:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{French fighters}}
+
{{France fighters}}

Revision as of 18:32, 6 January 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
▄F6F-5
f6f-5_france.png
▄F6F-5
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the French fighter F6F-5 (France). For other uses, see F6F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F6F-5 (France).jpg


The ▄F6F-5 Hellcat is a rank II French fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB), 3.3 (RB), and 3.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,730 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 620 599 11000 21.6 22.4 8.9 399
Upgraded 680 647 19.4 20.5 17.7 12.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
510 ___ 310 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 432 < 420 < 420 > 420
Compressor Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
Setting 1 518 m 2,000 hp 2,398 hp
Setting 2 4,724 m 1,800 hp 2,158 hp
Setting 3 6,400 m 1,650 hp 1,978 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind the pilot
  • 3 mm Steel plates on fuselage top in front of the cockpit
  • 3 mm Steel plate on the top front of oil cooling system
  • 3 mm Steel plates on the bottom of the engine

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F6F-5 (France) is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)

The six machine guns are arranged in bundles of three mounted in both wings. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.

Suspended armament

The F6F-5 (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x Mk.13/44 (569 mm) torpedo

Usage in battles

The key to both surviving and owning in the F6F is to keep your speed up and try to be even marginally higher than your opponents. Below 300 km/h (186 mph) it is very sluggish. As with most American fighters, Boom & Zoom is the preferred combat mode for the Hellcat, while its average high-speed manoeuvrability can be used to add in a high yo-yo. It has a lot of ammo, but a good aim is still important since boom-n-zoom only allows you a small window of opportunity to hit your target before you have to climb back to altitude. Still, this is an excellent plane to practice your aim and tactics with because it's more forgiving than most boom-n-zoom fighters. If you don't have particularly good aim, a good tactic is to open up at 500 m (0.31 mi), starting with your aim on the aircraft, and then slowly move your aim in front of the target. You won't require as much lead when diving on your target at 600+ km/h (373+ mph).

With dual 1,000-pound bombs and six HVAR rockets armed, the Hellcat is a stable game-ending platform in a pinch when the rest of your team is not ground-attacking. The two Tiny Tim anti-tank rockets can also be useful for taking out more massive targets. Sometimes, it is useful to save the Hellcat as your last plane just for that. You can always jettison the rockets and bombs if you're suddenly forced to dogfight.

It is incredibly important to use Manual Engine Controls while piloting the Hellcat in Realistic or Simulator Battles. The Hellcat has access to three Supercharger gears, each tailored for a different altitude, and each will significantly improve your performance at their appropriate altitudes.

Keep in mind:

  • It has a lot of engine power, but at anywhere between 5.7 and 7 tonnes, getting up to altitude isn't very easy.
  • Resist the temptation to get into low-altitude turning fights. This is a heavy aircraft and it will lose a massive amount of speed in turns.
  • While it has plenty of explosive armament options, in Realistic and Simulator battles the added weight and drag will usually make you an easy target for other fighters. Since most air battles are basically dogfights, you're often better off without the extra weight.
  • This thing will perform reasonably well at low altitudes, but it's still recommended to stay at an altitude of 3 km or higher.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Separate Controllable
3 gears
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm ITC mk.III
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs LFRC mk.12
IV Engine injection Cover FLBC mk.1

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can carry a lot of payload for a rank III aircraft
  • One of the few fighters that can carry a torpedo
  • Very effective in either air-to-air or air-to-ground, very versatile
  • Bombs are mounted directly under the fuselage, very accurate when dive bombing
  • Good climb rate
  • Excellent dive rate
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Extremely efficient cooling system
  • Lots of ammo
  • Cheap repair cost
  • Can take some hits
  • Decent at energy fighting, although not as good as the Bf 109 F-4

Cons:

  • You have to fly at a very low altitude at a deficient speed to drop the torpedo, which is impractical
  • Only three salvos of HVAR rockets
  • Carrying the 2 x 1000 lb bombs and the 6 x HVAR rockets also adds a worse climb rate
  • Slower top speed compared to other contemporary US fighters
  • Higher stall speed than its Japanese counterparts
  • Control stiffening above moderate speeds
  • Poor roll rate
  • Large fuselage cross-section makes it an easy target
  • Guns mounted further on the wings making it harder to aim at a target that is smaller than you
  • Despite its formidable reputation as the Zero killer, a Zero could still easily kill it if you are forced to fight on the Zero's terms

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Fighters 
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
XF5F Skyrocket  XF5F · XP-50
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F7F Tigercat  F7F-1 · F7F-3
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Jet Fighters 
F9F Panther/Cougar  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-11 Tiger  F11F-1
F-14 Tomcat  F-14A Early · F-14B
Jet Strike Aircraft 
A-6 Intruder  A-6E TRAM
Bombers  TBF-1C
Export  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II

France fighters
Dewoitine  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373 · D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510 · D.520
Morane-Saulnier  M.S.405C1 · M.S.406C1 · M.S.410
Arsenal  V.G.33C-1
Bloch  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Caudron  C.R.714
Sud-Ouest  S.O.8000 Narval
American  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · ▄P-63C-5 · F-6C-10-NA
  ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · F4U-7 · ▄F8F-1B
Other countries  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900