Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

History

The QAM’s Grumman Hellcat , U.S. Navy Bureau Number: 70185, was recovered by QAM in December, 1993 off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, MA. U.S. Navy records report that the Hellcat was assigned to NACTULANT (Night Air Combat Training Unit AtLANTic) which was based at NAAF Westerly, Rhode Island.

According to Navy records, the F6F was on a familiarization flight out of NAAF Westerly, RI on April 3, 1945. The aircraft was one of seven aircraft on a ground control intercept flight. The area of operations were in the vicinity of Nantucket Sound when Ensign Vincent A. Frankwitz, USNR, radioed his flight leader his aircraft was experiencing loss of oil pressure. The flight leader ordered Ensign Frankwitz to alter course to Martha’s Vineyard where (at the time) there is a small Navy Auxiliary field.

Ensign Frankwitz’s aircraft descended rapidly below the 600 foot overcast. At this point his wingman noted the engine had seized. The aircraft made a successful ditching on the water. Ensign Frankwitz was seen exiting the aircraft into water. The aircraft sank in 20 feet of water 5 miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard.

A search and rescue operation was called to find Ensign Frankwitz. As the weather worsened and night approached, the affords of the search and rescue operation were called off. Ensign Frankwitz was never recovered.

This aircraft, F6F-5 Hellcat, will be dedicated and restored in his memory.

Specifications

Description

Manufacturer: Grumman
Designation: F6F
Version: -5
Nickname: Hellcat
Type: Fighter
Navy Bureau Number: 70185

Dimensions

Length: 33 ft 7 in
Height: 13 ft 1 in
Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in
Wing area: 334 sq. ft

Weights

Empty Weight: 9238 lbs.
Gross Weight: 15413 lbs.

Propulsion

Number of Engines: 1
Power plant: Pratt & Whitney R2800-10W
Horsepower: 2000 hp

Performance

Range: 945 miles
Cruise Speed: 168 mph
Max Speed: 380 mph
Climb: 2980 Ft/min
Ceiling: 37300 ft

Armament

Six 50 caliber machine guns, wing mounted.