WWII-Era Aircraft: Potential Hellcat F6F Wreck

Aircraft Identification

• Model: Believed to be a Grumman F6F Hellcat, though its exact variant remains unconfirmed.
• Era: World War II (1942–1945).
• Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation.
• Role: Carrier-based fighter aircraft, designed primarily for air superiority and ground support.

Current Condition

The aircraft is described as being in remarkably complete and intact condition, despite spending nearly 80 years underwater.

 Key Observations:

• Control Surfaces: Still attached, indicating minimal external damage to the airframe.
• Landing Gear: Clearly visible, folded under the wings in what appears to be a standard retracted position.
• Fuselage: Likely intact, suggesting a controlled or relatively low-impact water landing.
• Wings and Tail: Appear fully preserved, with no significant evidence of detachment or major structural failure.

Potential Historical Context

The F6F Hellcat was one of the most successful Allied fighters of WWII, known for its rugged construction, excellent performance, and adaptability.

• Production Period: 1943–1945, with over 12,000 units produced.
• Great Lakes Training Role: Many Hellcats were used for pilot training missions over the Great Lakes, particularly on makeshift carriers like the USS Wolverine (IX-64) and USS Sable (IX-81). Aircraft lost during training often sank to the lakebed and were not recovered, as wartime production exceeded replacement needs.
• Possible Origin: The wreck could be linked to one of these training accidents, common during carrier landing drills.

Key Features of the Hellcat F6F

• Dimensions:  Length: 10.24 metres (33 feet 7 inches). Wingspan: 13.06 metres (42 feet 10 inches).
• Engine: Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine.
• Armament: Originally equipped with six .50 caliber machine guns, though these may not be present on the wreck.

Significance of the Find

Historical Value  As one of the most iconic WWII aircraft, a preserved Hellcat provides a tangible connection to aviation history and the Great Lakes’ role in training naval aviators.

Condition: The wreck’s completeness enhances its value as a historical artifact, offering insights into its construction, operational history, and crash circumstances.

Potential Identification: The aircraft’s serial number (likely present on components like the tail or engine) could confirm its origin, production date, and pilot assignment.

Preservation and Next Steps

• Documentation: High-resolution imagery from ROVs or technical divers to capture the wreck’s condition in detail.
• Research: Cross-referencing serial numbers with Navy or wartime training logs to identify the aircraft. Investigating records of lost aircraft in the region during WWII training operations.
• Nomination for Preservation: If confirmed as a Hellcat or other WWII-era aircraft, the site could be nominated for recognition as a protected historic site under the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Collaboration: Partnering with aviation historians, museums, or organizations like the National Naval Aviation Museum or the Great Lakes Naval Museum for further analysis and potential recovery efforts.

Resources & Links

• National Naval Aviation Museum
• Naval History and Heritage Command – Aircraft Wrecks
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society
• Zac Whitrock – 3D Models

Conclusion

This remarkably intact wreck—possibly a WWII Hellcat F6F—offers a unique glimpse into aviation history and the training operations on the Great Lakes during the war. With proper documentation, research, and preservation, the site has the potential to reveal untold stories of the era’s pilots and aircraft.