The Corsair was originally designed
as a high-performance fighter for
the US Navy. It's "bent wing"
design has a reason: propeller
clearance. This airplane spins
a propeller that is absolutely huge,
spanning over 13 feet, which was
desired for its ability to generate
high airspeed. Bending
the wings gave the airplane
adequate ground clearance for the
propeller during operations.
The overall design and low-speed
handling characteristics of the
Corsair made it a very difficult
airplane to land on a carrier deck.
Recognizing this problem, the Navy
gave the airplane to its Marine
Corps aviation squadrons to operate
off of runways in the Pacific.
In the hands of these "Flying
Leathernecks," the airplane
performed admirably both as a ground
attack aircraft and as a fighter.
Similar to the Hellcat, the Corsair
carried six 0.50 caliber machine
guns, three in each wing, and could
carry two 1000 lb bombs. This
gave it a formidable air-to-air and
air-to-ground punch. On the
receiving end of this firepower, the
enemy nick-named this airplane "The
Whistling Death." When the
Corsair performed a diving attack,
air rushing almost 500 mph through the
wing-mounted oil coolers made a
pronounced whistling noise.
This whistle signaled an incoming
Corsair attack with guns blazing and
bombs dropping. Time to take
cover.
The Corsair is a relatively rare
airplane, but more and more are
being restored and flown.
Recently, there have been several
"Corsair Gatherings" that have
allowed audiences to see formations
of Corsairs flying together again.
This is a wonderful treat.
Check your airshow schedule to see
if Corsairs will be in your area any
time soon.
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Chance Vought F4U Specifications: |
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Nickname: "Bent Wing Bird,"
"Whistling Death" |
|
Engine: Pratt&Whitney R-2800
Radial, 18 Cylinder, 2000 hp |
|
Wing Span: 41 ft. Length: 33
ft, 4 in. Height: 16 ft, 1
in. |
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Weight: Empty: 8,980 lbs.
Max Take-Off: 14,000 lbs. |
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Maximum Speed: 425 mph |
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Service Ceiling: 37,000 ft. |
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Range: 1015 miles |
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Crew: One |
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Number Built: 12,500+ |
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Flying Today: Approximately
25 |
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