The Champlin Fighter Museum acquired this F6F-3 in 1972. This F6F-3 is the third oldest surviving Hellcat. Collector Bill Ross of Chicago offered it to the museum. Bill’s Hellcat had been a high-altitude photo bird in Georgia after disposal by the Navy in the early 1950s. Since the F6F produced more American aces than any other type, it’s was a particularly popular exhibit at the museum.  The Hellcat was then sold in 1992. While the Hellcat was at Champlin, present GossHawk personnel maintained the F6F-3 in flying condition.

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