Warbird Information Exchange

Does anyone know why the later variants of the Hellcat didn't have a bubble canopy a la P-51 or P-47, or even Corsair?

Thanks to all who respond.
Michael

perhaps not worth developing with the Bearcat waiting in the wings?

consider the level of re-engineering required to the top of the fuselage aft of the cockpit to fit bubble canopy. the p-47 need to have a ventral fin added. the loss in yaw stability might have negated the benefits of the the bubble. plus, you can't armor a bubble , and grumman loves armor.

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-recovering Viper crew chief
-AWACS driver/soon-to-be A-26 driver
-displaced Philadelphian

Also, as the war started to wind down, the Navy told GRUMMAN to cut back on F6F's as they were literally overwhelmed with brand new 'cats'. GRUMMAN started cutting back on people (layoffs), those still working rolled up their sleeves and produced even more F6F's the next month after the force reductions. Try to find that sort of dedication in ANY workforce today-

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-