F4U-4 CORSAIR - USMC VMF-214 "BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON"

Historical Note:           The Corsair remained in continuous production from 1941 to 1952. Twelve thousand were built. The inverted gull wings were designed, in part, to extend the length of landing gear needed to create the clearance for the 13'4" prop.

The Corsair is a carrier-based fighter aircraft was designed to serve World War II and the Korean War. It was called the finest fighter-bomber aircraft during World War II. The Corsair served in some air forces until the 1960s, and continued production from 1941 to 1952. It has been the longest production run of any piston-engined fighter in history.

The first Corsair was first flown in May 1940, but there were landing gear and poor visibility problems which made the Navy decide that it is not suitable for its carrier duties. Modifications were made on the aircraft but still the Navy could not adopt the Corsair. But the Marines embraced it, making it one of their principal fighter or bombers. The Navy gradually realized its value as an outstanding carrier-based aircraft, rivaled only by the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The Corsair was flown by Maj. Greg Boyington and the “Black Sheep Squadron”. They shot 92 enemy aircrafts. Many people rate the Corsair as the best fighter plane of World War II because of its firepower, speed and maneuverability.

Scale:    1:28
W/S:      17.6   inches, 
Lgth:      14.1   inches

Item Number:    TMC-AF4U4ML                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Price:    $169.95