Oxford Diecast 1/72 AC020 RN Grumann F6F Hellcat WW2 Fighter Model
Grumman F6F Hellcat 1 - Lt. Cdr S G 'Stan' Orr, HMS Emperor, Norway, May 1944 The Grumman F6F Hellcat, was a carrier-based fighter aircraft developed to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat. It was a completely new design powered by a 2000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. Built between 1942-1945, the Hellcat proved to be the most successful aircraft in naval history, destroying over 5200 aircraft. The F6F also served with the Fleet Air arm, where the only fighter-to-fighter FAA F6F action took place in 1944, flying from HMS Emperor, off Norway. On 8th May F6F Hellcats from the Fleet Air Army's No. 800 Squadron were attacked by a mixed group of Me 109s and FW 190s whilst on escort duty. Two F6Fs were lost but the Germans lost 2 Me 109s and one FW190. On the 14th May, 800 Squadron's leading scorer, Sub-Lt. Ritchie (with 4.5 victories), added an He- 115 to his tally and shared another He-115 with Lt. Cdr. S G Orr, giving him a total of 6 victories for the war. 'Stan' Orr went on to be accredited with 17 'kills' during his WWII service with the RNVR. The Oxford Hellcat of Lt Cdr S G 'Stan' Orr comes in the camouflage colours of dark sea grey/dark slate grey with a dark duck egg green underside.