F4U-Corsair (Fighter-bomber)

On final approach ...

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“Vought's F4U Corsair is one the sleekest and finest warbirds of World War II. It was built with a massive 2,000 hp 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney engine requiring a 13' 4" three bladed prop to pull as much power as possible. Because the prop was so big, the plane was designed with bent "gull" wings to raise the nose. The Corsair was originally designed for aircraft carrier use, but its long nose (caused poor visibility) and tendency to bounce on landing (and miss the arresting hook) did little to endear it to Navy pilots who called "hog nose," "Ensign Eliminator" and "widow maker" among others. The plane, however, found greater success with the Marine Corps using land-based airstrips.

The F4U proved more than a match to the more agile Japanese fighters and doubled as a bomber that the enemy called "Whistling Death." At war's end, the warbird flew over 64,000 sorties with an 11:1 victory over the enemy. The lackluster Navy nicknames were replaced with "Sweetheart of the Marianas" and "Angel of Okinawa."
The F4U saw many variations seeing action in the Korean War and serving in other countries air forces. The planes were mostly retired by 1970.”
- Daniel Baker

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