Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4U>HA8203

General Background

The Vought F4U Corsair was literally built around the Pratt & Whitney 2,000 HP radial engine. The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required. The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as "Whispering Death" and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.

The Aircraft

1st Lt. Edwin Olander served two tours with the VMF-214 "Black Sheep". From mid-September 1943 until December 30, 1943 he shot down 5 Zeroes and 3 probables. On October 17th and 18th 1943, while flying Corsair White 576 BuNo.02576 "Marine's Dream" Olander scored two of his 5 kills and 1 of his 3 probables. The aircraft had a field modified paint scheme and the national insignia had 2 white bars and no blue surround. This aircraft was written off as the result of an accident on Bougainville.

Specifications :

Total Aircraft Manufactured:	12,571 of 24 variants
Manufactured By:	Vought and under license by Goodyear and Brewster
Crew:	1 pilot
Performance
Powerplant:	1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-8W radial engine producing 2,250 HP (1,678 kW)
Maximum Speed:	425 mph (369 kn / 684 kph)
Service Ceiling:	36,900 ft (11,200 m)
Rate of Climb:	3,180 ft/min (16.2 m/s)
Range:	1,015 mi (882 nm / 1,633 km)
Dimensions
Length:	33 ft 4 in (10.1 m)
Wingspan:	341 ft 0 in (12.5 m)
Height:	16 ft 1 in (4.9 m)
Weights:
Empty:	8,982 lb (4,073 kg)
Loaded:	14,000 lb (6,300 kg)
Armament:
Guns:	6 x 0.50 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine guns with 400 rounds per gun for 4 and 375 rounds per gun for two
Rockets:	4 x 5 in. (12.7 cm) High Velocity Aircraft Rockets
Bombs:	2,000 lbs. (910 kg)