Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4U>HA8211
F4U-1 Corsair BuNo.02714 "Spirit of 76", VMF-215, Munda, August 1943
![HA8211](images/info_pict_ha8211.gif)
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
F4U-1 Corsair "Spirit of 76" BuNo. 02714 supposedly belonged to Maj Robert G. Owens Jr. but
in fact he only flew this aircraft once in combat. Other pilots included Owens' wingman Roger
Conant who flew it twice in August 1943. VMF-214 and VFM-215 squadrons pooled their aircraft
so it wasn't uncommon for pilots of either unit to occasionally fly the same aircraft. Ed Olander of
VMF-214 flew 2714 once in October 1943 but none of these pilots gained a victory flying 2714.
American forces battled from December 1942 until August 1943 when Munda was finally
captured.
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) |