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Aircraft and simulator background
The Hellcat began as a proposed improvement to Grumman's Wildcat before developing into a larger fighter. Its first prototype flew in June 1942, and the Navy accepted the first production F6F-3 in January 1943. The F6F-5 followed in mid-1944.
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron Simulations · Read more ↗Spring tabs and blowback flaps
The manual describes manual primary controls with aileron spring tabs and three-axis trim. Flaps can reach about 50 degrees below 93 knots, reducing to 15 degrees at 150 knots; deployment is prohibited above 170 knots. The landing gear fully retracts, with a 135-knot gear reference.
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron Simulations · Read more ↗The v1.1.0 control update
FlyingIron's v1.1.0 notes improve aileron and rudder trim and control response in the MSFS 2020 product, with Marketplace updates for the 2020 and 2024 simulators.
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron Simulations · Read more ↗Meet Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
The Hellcat began as a proposed improvement to Grumman's Wildcat before developing into a larger fighter. Its first prototype flew in June 1942, and the Navy accepted the first production F6F-3 in January 1943. The F6F-5 followed in mid-1944.
FlyingIron's F6F-5 manual describes manual primary controls, aileron spring tabs and trim on all three axes. Hydraulic blowback changes flap position with airspeed.
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
Grumman → · Explore the family →
Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron Simulations · F6F-5 Hellcat for Microsoft Flight Simulator public manual download ↗Aircraft type designators
No type designator selected for this reference.
History & design
From an improved Wildcat to the Hellcat
The Navy asked Grumman for an improved Wildcat in June 1941. A larger engine required changes to propeller clearance, landing gear, wing area and tail surfaces, and the project became a new fighter. The prototype flew in June 1942; the F6F-5 arrived in mid-1944 with changes including aileron spring tabs and the R-2800-10W.
National Air and Space Museum · Grumman F6F-3K Hellcat ↗Long description; programme development, June 1942 prototype and mid-1944 F6F-5
Systems & details
Spring tabs and blowback flaps
The manual describes manual primary controls with aileron spring tabs and three-axis trim. Flaps can reach about 50 degrees below 93 knots, reducing to 15 degrees at 150 knots; deployment is prohibited above 170 knots. The landing gear fully retracts, with a 135-knot gear reference.
The v1.1.0 control update
FlyingIron's v1.1.0 notes improve aileron and rudder trim and control response in the MSFS 2020 product, with Marketplace updates for the 2020 and 2024 simulators.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024FlyingIron F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron · Released
FlyingIron F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron · Released
Manuals & resources
Find your next read
Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Museum history
Grumman F6F-3K HellcatGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat
Long description; programme development, June 1942 prototype and mid-1944 F6F-5
National Air and Space Museum · Read the source ↗Developer documentation
F6F-5 1.1.0 current systemsGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat
Flight Model Improvements; Update Availability
FlyingIron Simulations · Read the source ↗F6F-5 Hellcat for Microsoft Flight Simulator public manual downloadGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat
PDF pp21-22, 36
FlyingIron Simulations · Read the source ↗F6F-5 Hellcat for Microsoft Flight SimulatorGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat
Product description and feature list
FlyingIron Simulations · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Museum history
Grumman F6F-3K HellcatNational Air and Space Museum · Long description; programme development, June 1942 prototype and mid-1944 F6F-5Developer documentation
F6F-5 1.1.0 current systemsFlyingIron Simulations · Flight Model Improvements; Update Availability F6F-5 Hellcat for Microsoft Flight Simulator public manual downloadFlyingIron Simulations · PDF pp21-22, 36 F6F-5 Hellcat for Microsoft Flight SimulatorFlyingIron Simulations · Product description and feature listBuilt-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261011-v3 · 1 profile choice
FlyingIron F6F-5 Hellcat
FlyingIron · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A carrier fighter with manual controls, aileron spring tabs and hydraulic blowback flaps.
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