The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required. The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as “Whistling Death” and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.

On June 25, 1950 South Korea was invaded by the North and soon VMF-323 Death Rattlers and their F4U-4 Corsairs’ were flying support of Pusan. The squadron got its name when pilots killed a 6 foot diamond-backed rattlesnake and hung it in their ready room. VMF-323 also flew support of the Inchon landing, the Chosin Reservoir breakout as well as all other major efforts. Flying alternately from Navy carriers and airfields their mission changed to interdiction and armed reconnaissance so in June 1952 they became VMA-323. In July 1953 they left Korea. models. Its 1942–53 production run was the longest of any U.S. piston-engined fighter.

Specifications for Corsair F4U-4 Production - 1944 to 1947

• Number produced – 2,050
• During production life time the F4U-4 saw new 4-blade propeller, chin scoop, flat bullet-proof windscreen, canopy revisions, an armored seat and improved instrument panel.
• Crew: 1

Dimensions

• Length – 33 ft 2.8 in
• Wingspan – 40 ft 11.7 in
• Height – 14 ft 9 in Weights
• Empty – 9,343 lb
• Maximum – 14,532 lb

Performance

• Power Plant - 1 X 2,350 hp P&W R-2800-18W
• Climb Rate – 4,770 ft/min @ Sea Level
• Service Ceiling – 38, 400 ft
• Range – 1,005 miles @ 214 mph @ 15,000 ft.
• Maximum Speed – 425 mph

Armament

• 6 X .50 machine guns, 3 per wing
• Up to 2,000 lbs. of bombs under fuselage
• 8 X 5 in rockets under wings

Info: F4U-4 Corsair White 18, VMF-323 "Death Rattlers", USS Sicily, June 1951 (with 8 HVAR rockets)