Grumman's F6F Hellcat started out as a conceptual improvement to the F4F Wildcat in the late 1930s. By 1940, so much had changed within the design that the Hellcat became a new type of fighter. The initial two prototypes were powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2600-10 and R-2600-16 Cyclone, respectively. However, feedback from British and US Navy pilots then flying the Wildcat in combat, made it apparent that more power was needed. Grumman then decided to use the P&W R-2800 Twin Wasp as the Hellcat's power-plant. While the R-2800 was slated for use in both Republic's P-47 and Vought's F4U Corsair, these designs were stalled in devel-rnopment. Thisrnallowed Grumman free access to the engine without production problems.
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