Back-Up To the F6F Hellcat?
Engineers had to deal with a number of flaws that werent all that uncommon in the era.
Once addressed, the result wasnt exactly an aircraft that was better late than never.
Was the Vought F4U Corsair the best fighter plane of World War II? A credible case can be made for it. Image: NARA
It was innovative, but it required some careful design considerations.
This radical design also resulted in the first U.S. warplane that was able to exceed 400 mph.
After protracted tests, the aircraft was first ordered in quantity in the fall of 1941.
A favorite of the U.S. Marine Corps, the F4U Corsair saw extensive service in both World War II and in the Korean War. Image: NARA
In total, more than 10,000 were produced by the end of the conflict.
It also proved more than up to the task.
Upon entering service, the F4U immediately took command of the sky and proved to shift the advantage significantly.
Even though it used the same engine as the P-47 Thunderbolt, the F4U Corsair used a three-bladed propeller. This gave it the power for a top speed exceeding 400 mph. Image: NARA
It was further equipped with 155 lbs.
of armor, as well as self-sealing fuel tanks.
However, it was as maneuverable as the Zero and had better speed, range and staying power.
This aircraft was the XF4U prototype for the Corsair photographed on April 19, 1940. Image: U.S. Navy
Vaughn employed the F4U-2 to conduct night strafing attacks on the Japanese.
During the Korean War, Capt.
Jesse Folmar of USMC VMA-312 became the first pilot to down a MiG-15 jet while flying a propeller-driven aircraft!
The Vought XF4U-1 aircraft in flight on October 8, 1940. It was the prototype for one of the most successful U.S. fighters of World War II. Image: U.S. Navy
The aircraft has been a favorite at air shows.
Boyington flew with theFlying Tigersin theP-40 Warhawkprior to the United States entering World War II.
F4U Corsair fighters were resilient planes that operated off improvised airstrips and provided close air support. This one takes off from Barakoma Airfield in the Solomon Islands. Image: NARA
Marines load four 5″ rockets onto the wing of a F4U Corsair on an airfield in Okinawa, Japan. Image: NARA
These U.S. Marine Corps F4U Corsair fighters patrol over Okinawa during the summer of 1945. Image: NARA
Marines of VMF 513 ground crew, the “Knight Raiders,” begin to load rockets on F4U night fighters. Their work begins in the afternoons and lasts till dawn when the fighters come home again. Image: NARA
This Vought F4U Corsair was restored and is in private hands. A former U.S. Navy plane, it was photographed at this airshow in 1982. Image: NARA
F4U Corsairs fighters return from a combat mission over North Korea. Other planes prepare to launch from the USSBoxer(CV-21), anEssex-class carrier, below. Image: NARA
