F6F Hellcat Magnet

Honor a pivotal chapter in World War II naval aviation with the F6F Hellcat Magnet, featuring an illustration of the American Heritage Museum’s F6F-3N Hellcat. This aircraft represents the birth of U.S. Navy night fighter capability - a response to the urgent threat posed by Japanese night attacks in the early years of the war.

In 1942, naval officer Evan “Pete” Aurand helped lead a secret effort to develop a true naval night fighter, working with scientists at MIT to adapt the F6F Hellcat with early airborne radar. Select F6F-3 aircraft were modified with new instrument panels and radar pods, creating the F6F-3N. Squadrons like VF(N)-76 became pioneers, training pilots to fly by radar alone before visually acquiring enemy aircraft at close range.

The museum’s Hellcat, Bureau Number 41476, entered service in January 1944 and soon deployed with Task Force 58 in the Pacific. Assigned across multiple aircraft carriers, VF(N)-76 became the highest-scoring U.S. Navy night fighter squadron of the war, playing a critical role during major engagements such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea and operations against Iwo Jima. Today, this historic aircraft is preserved and displayed inside the American Heritage Museum as one of the most important surviving examples of early naval night fighters.

Crafted from durable, flexible vinyl, this custom die-cut magnet is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. With a clean black backing and strong hold, it’s ideal for refrigerators, lockers, toolboxes, or display boards. Available in five sizes, it’s a practical way to keep this important story visible in everyday spaces.

• Features an illustration of the AHM F6F-3N Hellcat

• Honors the origins of U.S. Navy night fighter aviation

• Durable, flexible vinyl construction

• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

• Custom die-cut shape with black backing

• Available in five sizes

• AHM exclusive