For air to ground, especially against armor, I prefer the F6F-5. It can go from air to ground to air to air quick enough. Since much of my flying is defensive (my preference, in general), being able to handle fighters while down on the deck is important to me. And, the F6F-5 can tackle enemy fighters quite well.
Two 1,000 lb bombs, and six 5" rockets if you want (I usually don't bother). It carries the same ordnance load as the P-51D. It also has more MG ammo than the Mustang. Unlike the Mustang, It doesn't have to avoid turning fights with Spitfires, Nikis and Ki-84s. Flying below 3k much of the time, I often have to deal with 190s, P-51s, P-38s and Jugs that have both speed and altitude on me. I rarely lose a Hellcat to fighters. Even fighting from a disadvantage. It's an adequate ride for intercepting bomber raids. Outstanding for killing porkers (no prop fighter can dive away from the Hellcat). It's a jack of all trades fighter.
I haven't had the time to fly yet in the current tour, but last tour I flew the F6F quite a bit. It's rugged, agile and very lethal. Fly it smart, and you can run up good scores.
