March Field AirFest

The United States Navy Legacy Flight program was established in 1999. It involves today’s state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War II, Korean War and Vietnam vintage Navy and Marine Corps fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and the North American Fury.   At the March Field AirFest, the F-18 will be flying with the F-6F.  Here’s some information about both aircraft:
 
A-18 Hornet strike fighter
The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet is the nation’s first strike-fighter. It was designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter capabilities. With its excellent fighter and self-defense capabilities, the F/A-18 at the same time increases strike mission survivability and supplements the F-14 Tomcat in fleet air defense. F/A-18 Hornets are currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons from air stations world-wide, and from 10 aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron proudly flies them. The Hornet comprises the aviation strike force for seven foreign customers including Canada, Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.

The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike. Compared to the original F/A-18 A through D models, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability/lethality and improved carrier suitability.

F-6F Hellcat
The Hellcat (nicknamed the “ace maker”) is an aircraft specifically developed to counter the Japanese Zero (A6M).  There were 12,500 planes produced starting in October 1942.  They entered service in mid-1943. 

On an average the Hellcat flew 55MPH faster than the Zero; at about 20,000 feet in was 70 MPH faster.  At altitudes in excess of 10,000 feet, it had a comparable rate of climb.  At all altitudes it could out-dive the A6M.  It had a 250 gallons capacity in internal tanks and a 150 gallon belly drop-tank.  Basic weaponry consisted of six wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns, each with 400 rounds.  It could carry up two, 1,000 pounds bombs.  It also had six five-inch High Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVARs).

Linda
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base