Grumman F6F "Hellcat".

I know the earlier F4F Wildcat and F6F Hellcat were supposed to be related, but could you please pinpoint the visual cues that distinguish the two?

America hadn't invented torpedoes while it was using the F4F. The F6F has an extra scoop on the bottom of the engine cowling like that.

The supercharger intake is above the engine on the F4F and below the engine on the F6F, and the landing gear on the F4F retract into the belly while on the F6F they rotate backwards.

The F6F is also a bit bigger overall.

Ahhh, thanks for the your input.

the_redstar_swl said:
The supercharger intake is above the engine on the F4F and below the engine on the F6F

Yep, this was the major difference I was able to catch after you pointed it out.

and the landing gear on the F4F retract into the belly while on the F6F they rotate backwards.

The F6F is also a bit bigger overall.

These two points are not so obvious in this pic. :-) But still useful to know. Arigato!

the_redstar_swl said:
The supercharger intake is above the engine on the F4F and below the engine on the F6F, and the landing gear on the F4F retract into the belly while on the F6F they rotate backwards.

The F6F is also a bit bigger overall.

NERRRRRRRRDS!

(Ignore me, I'm just jealous and in awe.)

hungkok2007 said:
I know the earlier F4F Wildcat and F6F Hellcat were supposed to be related, but could you please pinpoint the visual cues that distinguish the two?

I believe the "cat" from "Hell" in the pilot's seat is a big one as well.