Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>F4U>HA8223

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

On June 25, 1950 South Korea was invaded by the North and soon VMF-323 Death Rattlers and their F4U-4 Corsairs’ were flying support of Pusan. The squadron got its name when pilots killed a 6 foot diamond-backed rattlesnake and hung it in their ready room. VMF-323 also flew support of the Inchon landing, the Chosin Reservoir breakout as well as all other major efforts. Flying alternately from Navy carriers and airfields their mission changed to interdiction and armed reconnaissance so in June 1952 they became VMA-323. In July 1953 they left Korea.

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)