Vought F4U Corsair
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The Vought F4U Corsair prototype was originally built in 1940 and the model went on to see the longest production run of any piston-engined fighter in U.S. history. During WWII, the Japanese Zero pilots considered the Corsair to be formidable, with many fearing it far more than the P-51 Mustang.
A total of 12,571 Corsairs were made between 1942 and 1953, there were some minor model variations but most used the 2,000 hp, 18-cylinder, Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial. Power was transmitted through a large Hamilton Standard Hydromatic three-blade propeller with a diameter of 13’4″ (4.06 m).
During the second world war, the U.S. Navy counted an 11:1 kill ratio with the F4U Corsair. A remarkable feat not surpassed by many planes in the 20th century.
Nowadays there are a few options for people who feel a burning desire for Corsair ownership, giant R/C scale models are available here, and climb-in-and-fly 82% scale kit planes are available here.
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