The F6F Hellcat was a carrier-based fighter aircraft used by the United States Navy during World War II. Designed by Grumman, it first flew in 1940 and became operational in 1943. The Hellcat was known for its powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of over 300 mph and excel in dogfights. The F6F Hellcat played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, achieving the highest kill-to-loss ratio of any Allied fighter. It was instrumental in defeating the Japanese Imperial Navy and contributed significantly to the success of naval air operations during the war.