1:72 scale diecast aircraft from the Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1112. Grumman F6F Hellcat USN VF-12, Hamilton McWhorter III, USS Randolph.

Length 6 inches
Wingspan 7 inches

Features:
* Diecast metal construction with small plastic parts.
* Realistic surface details.
* Ordinance load.
* Positionable landing gear.
* Opening canopy.
* Display stand.
* Hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.

On April 4, 1944 the new F6F-5 took to the air. It was a much improved version of the F4F Wildcat. The designers gave the new plane a redesigned engine cowl for the engine that was now water-injected. The injection increased take off performance by 10% and increased the armament capabilities. Production of the F6F-5 lasted until November 1945 when Grumman had rolled out more than 900 “5”s. The UK received some of these aircraft under the Lend-Lease Act and they were designated Hellcat MkII. This plane was so lethal that it earned the nickname “Ace Maker” because of the large number of pilots that earned their 5 + victories while flying it.

The USN’s first Hellcat Ace was Lt. Hamilton “Mac” McWhorter. His first combat assignment was with VF-9 (Fighting Nine) flying an F4F Wildcat. When VF-9’s combat tour ended McWhorter’s next assignment was with VF-12 flying F6F Hellcats. He was on board the USS Randolph on February 16, 1945 and took part in the first carrier based raid on Tokyo and scored one Zero victory. McWhorter went on to score 11 more victories. He retired from the USN in 1969 and was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in 1989.