Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the Grumman XF6F-6, one of the rare and lesser-known Hellcat prototypes, for inclusion in the US aviation tree in War Thunder. This prototype was a modified F6F-5 fitted with the same engine used in the F4U-4 Corsair and equipped with a four-bladed propeller. Intended as the third major production variant of the Hellcat series, the XF6F-6 ultimately never entered full-scale production, as World War II came to an end and the newer F8F Bearcat had already begun rolling off assembly lines.
Unfortunately, technical documentation on XF6F-6 is scarce, and much of its development history remains difficult to trace through publicly available sources. For that reason, I encourage you to share reliable, additional sources, manuals, photos, or flight data in the comments to help build a more complete profile of this rare aircraft.
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
This suggestion is part of my broader effort to promote more World War II content in War Thunder. The XF6F-6 would be an ideal candidate for inclusion in War Thunder as an event or premium aircraft. Its uprated engine and four-bladed propeller gave it superior high-altitude performance and a stronger climb rate compared to the F6F-5. The same R-2800-18W engine was used in the F4U-4 Corsair, and the four-bladed propeller helped convert the added engine power into effective thrust, enhancing its acceleration and responsiveness.
According to the standard aircraft characteristics (SAC) sheet, the F6F-5 had a top speed of 380 mph at 23,400 feet, while the XF6F-6 exceeded 417 mph under similar conditions. Therefore, the XF6F-6 aircraft offered a modest improvement in flight performance over the F6F-5 aircraft.
Related Suggestions
I made suggestions for the F6F-3 (initial production) and XF6F-4 (with four cannons). If you’re interested in these variants, feel free to check them out!
No, XF6F-6 was using the 6 x 12.7-mm machine guns. The guns were in a staggered arrangement. On each wing, you may have seen the first machine gun’s barrel sticking out further than the rest of the others, so I could see it being mistaken as the 20-mm barrel sometimes.
I’d say the firepower isn’t much of a downgrade. It still has six machine guns, the same as the initial F4U-4, regardless.
All F6F-5s and later could swap the inner set of .50s for 20s. You can see this on the in-game F6F-5N though it wasn’t a popular option due to how unreliable they were.
This would be a nice start in addition of Hellcat variants. There’s many that hasn’t been added yet, and them being premiums or be in the tech tree would be Great!
Interesting. I always thought the 20 mm cannons were exclusive to the F6F-5N with radar equipment. However, after reading further, it’s surely true that all F6F-5 variants, regardless of configuration, had provisions to replace two of the 0.50 caliber machine guns with 20 mm cannons.
When the XF6F-6 is added to War Thunder, I’d like to see it come with alternative armament loadouts. We could choose between the standard 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns or a special arrangement of 2 x 20 mm cannons and 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns.
I’ve updated the weapons list to reflect these points.
It might be worth separating them into different versions for BR reasons. The F6F-5N has nothing over the regular F6F-5 (actually a tad heavier due to radar) but is way higher in BR thanks to the guns.
Had a thought about why the Hellcat only had a three bladed propeller despite sharing the same engine as the F4U. Eventually led me down the rabbit hole to here. Would love to see the pinnacle of the Hellcat added to War Thunder. Flight data shouldn’t be much of an issue since it’s a Hellcat airframe just with more engine power thanks to that R-2800-18W. Would be an amazing event vehicle placed at 4.3, as a premium not so much since the F4U-4 already exists in the tech tree.
hellcats need more love, the original hellcat is at 3.3, folded under all the F4Fs; and the F6F-5N is just kind of there, overtiered and whimping like a dog.
