Vought F4U Corsair

 

 

     The Vought F4U Corsair was an American fighter aircraft which saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War. 

     The Corsair was designed and operated as a carrier-based aircraft, and entered service in large numbers with the U.S. Navy in late 1944 and early 1945. It quickly became one of the most capable carrier-based fighter-bombers of World War II. Some Japanese pilots regarded it as the most formidable American fighter of World War II. 

     Initial operation from carrier decks proved to be troublesome. Its low-speed handling was tricky due to the left wing stalling before the right wing. This factor, together with poor visibility over the long nose made landing a Corsair on a carrier a difficult task. For these reasons, most Corsairs initially went to Marine Corps squadrons which operated off land-based runways. 

     Its top speed was over 400 mph and a service seiling of 38,000 feet. The nickname "Whistling Death" was reportedly given to the F4U Corsair because of the destinctive sound that the aircraft made in flight.