Unknown Grumman XF6F variant ...

[Mark Allen M]

Not sure what this configuration would have been. I'm guessing an XF6F-1C?, unusual drop tank as well for a Hellcat.
Haven't found any information on it.

[mike furline]

Other prototypes in the F6F series included the XF6F-4 (02981, a conversion of the XF6F-1 powered by an R-2800-27 and armed with four 20mm M2 cannon) which first flew on 3 October 1942 as the prototype for the projected F6F-4. This version never entered production and 02981 was converted to an F6F-3 production aircraft.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_F6F_Hellcat

http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/ ... ries1.html

https://archive.org/details/NIX-EL-2000-00243

[Randy Wilson]

I tend to agree with Mike that this is probably the XF6F-4 after its belly landing, when it was fitted with a P&W R-2800-27 with a three-blade Hamilton Standard prop and was used to test the four 20-mm cannon arrangement. Info from "Grumman Aircraft since 1929" by Rene J. Francillon, 1989, pages 201-202. The image on page 202 of the aircraft from behind and above bears the markings G-11557 3-31-43. The image Mark posted is G-11556 3-31-43. To me, likely to be the same plane, same day. Happy New Year.

Randy

[Lon Moer]

Just came across this one and remembered this thread;

One of two Grumman XF6F-6 prototypes (converted F6F-5s U.S. Navy BuNos 70188, 70913) fitted with a 2,100 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W engine and four blade propeller at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River on 20 December 1944.