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What was unique about the Chance Vought F4U Corsair?
The Chance Vought Corsair’s unique bent or inverted gull-wing design was driven by two needs: a bigger propeller to make full use of the powerful Pratt & Whitney R2800 Double Wasp engine, and the need for shorter, more stout landing gear appropriate to the Corsair’s intended use as a U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft.
What engine was in the F4U Corsair?
Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double WaspVought F4U Corsair / Engine typeThe Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp is an American twin-row, 18-cylinder, air-cooled radial aircraft engine with a displacement of 2,800 cu in, and is part of the long-lived Wasp family of engines.
The R-2800 saw widespread use in many important American aircraft during and after World War II. Wikipedia
What is an F4U Corsair?
The Vought F4U Corsair is an American fighter aircraft which saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War. Designed and initially manufactured by Chance Vought, the Corsair was soon in great demand; additional production contracts were given to Goodyear, whose Corsairs were designated FG, and Brewster, designated F3A .
Why did the Corsair have so many problems?
In part because of its advances in technology and a top speed greater than existing Navy aircraft, numerous technical problems had to be solved before the Corsair entered service. Carrier suitability was a major development issue, prompting changes to the main landing gear, tail wheel and tailhook.
How many F4U Corsair were made in WW2?
During World War II, Corsair production expanded beyond Vought to include Brewster and Goodyear models. Allied forces flying the aircraft in World War II included the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Eventually, more than 12,500 F4Us would be built, comprising 16 separate variants.
What is the difference between the Corsair XF4U-1 and Corsair Mk I?
F4U-1 (called Corsair Mk I by the Fleet Air Arm ): The first production version of the Corsair with the distinctive “birdcage” canopy and low seating position. The differences over the XF4U-1 were as follows: Six .50 in (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns were fitted in the outer wing panels, displacing fuel tanks.