Diecast Aircraft Information

MetalWings Diecast Aircraft Reference by Dauntless Aviation

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA1104
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat
Alexander Vraciu

Background for Alexander Vraciu
Alexander Vraciu born in Indiana, started flight training in late 1941 earned wings in
August 1942. First assigned to VF-3, he downed his first aircraft in October 1943. June
20, 1944 brought his nineteenth and final kill. Alex also destroyed 21 aircraft on the
ground and one merchant ship. Known as "Grumman's Best Customer" he survived two
carriers being torpedoed, ditched twice and two parachute jumps. He was shot down in
December 1944 and returned to the US where he remained as a test pilot. Post war, he
commanded VF-51.

F6F-3
The Hellcat made its combat debut August 1943 and in two years carrier based F6Fs are
credited with downing 4,947 aircraft. If land based and Marine Hellcat kills are added it
brings the total to 5,156, an incredible figure. This total represents 80% of all kills giving
a kill–to-loss ratio of 19 to 1 another outstanding achievement. By Spring 1944 there
were a total 4,403 F6F-3s built. Often referred to as the “Aluminum Tank” it was also
aptly called “The Ace Maker” because of men like Vraciu and McCampbell.

F6F-3 Specifications

Total production: F6F-3 (4,403)

Power-plant: 1 x 2000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp 18 cylinder air
cooled radial engine

Armament: six .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns a 2,000 lb. bomb-load, or six 5-
inch rockets

Wingspan: 42 ft. 10 in. (13.1 m)
Length: 33 ft., 7 in. (10.2 m)
Height: 13 ft., 1 in. (4.0 m)
Weight: 9,238 lb. empty

Maximum speed: 380 mph at 23,400 ft.
Ceiling: 37,300 ft.
Climb rate: to 14,000 ft. 6 minutes 42 seconds
Range: 945 miles

Hobby Master HA1104
Masterfully made, Hobby Master proudly presents this reproduction of the F6F-3
Hellcat. This airplane scored 80% of all air-to-air victories in the Pacific during WW II.
Great efforts were made to deliver a “life like” model that you would be proud to display
with the best in your collection. Continuing with their options policy Hobby Master
supplies various accessories such as interchangeable canopies and rockets that you
get to add or leave off the model. Detailed, meticulously painted and an exceptional
price makes this an outstanding value.

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THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES
NOT THE RETAIL VERSION

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