The Hellcat’s prodigious speed was attained by keeping its armour to no more than 1″ thick. Hellcat crews quickly took advantage of the vehicle’s speed to avoid being fired on and to outflank the heavily armoured German tanks. The M18 Hellcat first saw service in Italy but rose to fame in North West Europe, dominating German tanks (including Panthers) at Arracourt then playing a key role in the Battle of the Bulge. It also saw action in the Pacific in US and Chinese Nationalist service, being used more in the fire support role as Japanese tanks posed little threat. In games of Bolt Action the Hellcat is classed as an armoured car (Damage Value 7+) with a heavy anti-tank gun and the option to add a pintle mounted HMG, with the Fast and Recce special rules. It can be included in Amoured Platoons.
