F6F Hellcat Ceramic Coaster

Honor a pioneering chapter of World War II naval aviation with the F6F Hellcat Ceramic Coaster. This design features a detailed illustration of the American Heritage Museum’s F6F Hellcat, paired with the VF(N)-76 squadron patch, connecting a legendary aircraft with the pioneering night fighter unit that helped change the course of the air war in the Pacific.

The story of this Hellcat is inseparable from the birth of U.S. Navy night fighting. In early 1942, Japanese night raids posed a serious threat to the fleet. Naval officer Evan “Pete” Aurand played a key role in developing the Navy’s first effective night fighter capability, working alongside scientists at MIT to adapt the F6F Hellcat for radar-guided combat. Squadrons like VF(N)-76 became pioneers, flying specially modified F6F-3N aircraft equipped with early airborne radar systems that allowed pilots to hunt enemy aircraft in total darkness.

The museum’s Hellcat, Bureau Number 41476, entered service in January 1944 and soon joined Task Force 58 in the Pacific. Assigned across multiple aircraft carriers, VF(N)-76 quickly proved its value, becoming the highest-scoring U.S. Navy night fighter squadron of the war. These aircraft played a crucial role during major operations, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and strikes against Iwo Jima, helping neutralize night attacks that had once gone unanswered.

Today, this remarkable aircraft is preserved and displayed inside the American Heritage Museum, where it tells the often-overlooked story of naval night fighters and their impact on Allied victory.

Made from durable ceramic with a non-slip cork backing, this coaster is designed for everyday use and easy care, making it a functional piece of history for your desk or table.

• Features an illustration of the AHM F6F Hellcat

• Includes the VF(N)-76 night fighter squadron patch

• Durable ceramic construction with non-slip cork backing

• Suitable for hot or cold drinks

• Easy to wipe clean

• AHM exclusive