Vought F4U Corsair

The prototype Vought F4U Corsair was the fastest fighter in the world and the fastest US aircraft of any description, capable of 417mph. Production began in 1941 and the aircraft was extensively used by the US Marines, Royal Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force. After the Second World War, the Corsair remained in production and was used with distinction by the French in Indo-China and the US Navy in Korea. This new book combines technical information and detailed development history with a fascinating combat history, illustrated with rare and previously unpublished photographs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 121 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The prototype Vought F4U Corsair, which made its maiden flight in 1940, quickly established itself as the world's fastest fighter and the fastest US aircraft of any kind. Powered by a massive 18-cylinder Pratt and Whitney Double Wasp engine driving a colossal 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the initial Corsairs were capable of reaching speeds of 417mph. In subsequent versions, this figure would increase to nearly 450mph. Production of the F4U began in 1941 not only by Vought but also by Goodyear and Brewster, and the aircraft entered service with the US Navy in September 1942. The Corsair was subsequently widely utilized from land and sea by the US Marines, Royal Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Famous squadrons such as VMF-214, known as the Black Sheep, and VF-17, known as the Jolly Rogers, maintained complete dominance over the Japanese for the remainder of the war—a remarkable achievement for a single type.

After the Second World War, the Corsair continued in production and was used with distinction by the French in Indo-China and again by the US Navy in Korea. Since then, Corsairs have achieved significant success in air races, and an increasing number are being restored to fly for museums and warbird enthusiasts worldwide. This comprehensive new book combines technical information and detailed development history with a fascinating combat history, often told by Second World War and Korean War pilots themselves. Well-researched, readable, and illustrated with scores of rare and previously unpublished photographs, Vought F4U Corsair is the perfect book for any fan of the iconic bent-wing bird.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 194 x 246 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526705884