Many of those experienced Japanese pilots were killed by F4F pilots flying an inferior airplane. The kill ratio for the Wildcat was much lower than the Hellcat, but that the F4F was even close to a 6:1 ratio against Zeros is still impressive. While one little dat dat dat from a 50 cal was all it took to incinerate a Zero, considering just how inferior the F4F was in speed, turns and rate of climb to the Zero, it's still an impressive record.
Jack Roush and Jay Wisler are a big reason Warbirds continue to fly! Stay tuned for a future CHASING PLANES episode that features a P-51A Roush Mustang.
Its good to be reminded of a day when Americans all pulled in the same direction. Miracles were accomplished and that effort helped reshape the world. Today.....sadly not so much. Thanks to all how helped preserve this incredible piece of history.
My understanding the Hellcat could not out climb the zero, only the Bearcat could accomplish that, I believe it could keep up with it in a climb though.
Absolutely love the Hellcats!!!! What a beautiful job restoring it to its glory days!!!
NAVY!
Also Important to note on American STATS, 1944 when this came into service, 90% of experienced japanese pilots were already Gone
Many of those experienced Japanese pilots were killed by F4F pilots flying an inferior airplane. The kill ratio for the Wildcat was much lower than the Hellcat, but that the F4F was even close to a 6:1 ratio against Zeros is still impressive. While one little dat dat dat from a 50 cal was all it took to incinerate a Zero, considering just how inferior the F4F was in speed, turns and rate of climb to the Zero, it's still an impressive record.
August 1943
Great video. Looks like a cameo by Jack Roush at 4:41.
Jack Roush and Jay Wisler are a big reason Warbirds continue to fly! Stay tuned for a future CHASING PLANES episode that features a P-51A Roush Mustang.
Its good to be reminded of a day when Americans all pulled in the same direction. Miracles were accomplished and that effort helped reshape the world. Today.....sadly not so much. Thanks to all how helped preserve this incredible piece of history.
So this the Hellcat that once resided in the USMC museum at Quantico?
Flew with Rob in his T-6 many years ago. When I told him I was a pilot he said great you fly it. I think he was bored flying fans all day.
Rob is a great pilot!
So was this airplane ever in combat ? Sad to see the B-17 in this clip also.
Rob Collings talks about its history in the video. And yes, the B-17 is sad, but it is remembered in the video...
👍 👍 👍!!!
My understanding the Hellcat could not out climb the zero, only the Bearcat could accomplish that, I believe it could keep up with it in a climb though.