First flown in 1940, the prototype Vought F4U Corsair instantly became the fastest fighter in the world and the fastest US aircraft of any description. Powered by a huge 18-cylinder Pratt and Whitney Double Wasp engine driving an enormous 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the first Corsairs were capable of 417mph. This figure would rise to nearly 450mph in later versions.
Production began in 1941, not only by Vought but also by Goodyear and Brewster, and the F4U entered service with the US Navy in September 1942. The aircraft subsequently came to be extensively used from land and sea by the US Marines, Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Famous squadrons like VMF-214 ‘The Black Sheep’ and VF-17 ‘Jolly Rogers’, along with many others, maintained total ascendancy over the Japanese for the rest of the war – a remarkable achievement for a single type.
After the Second World War the Corsair remained in production and was used with distinction by the French in Indo-China and again by the US Navy in Korea. Since then Corsairs have achieved significant success in air races and more and more are being restored to fly for museums and warbird enthusiasts the world over.
This comprehensive new book combines technical information and detailed development history with a fascinating combat history told, in many cases, by the Second World War and Korean War pilots themselves. Well researched, readable and illustrated with scores of rare and previously unpublished photographs, The Vought F4U Corsair is the perfect book for any fan of the ‘bent wing bird’.
GUEST REVIEW FROM MARK MAGUIRE
Today I am delighted to be able to hand over my blog to my husband, Mark, and he is going to share with you his review of The Vought F4U Corsair by Martin W. Bowman:
“The Images of War format is renowned for its concise narration and thought – provoking imagery. This title follows in this tradition and considers the development and operational history of the superlative Vought F4U Corsair.
The introduction of the Corsair was as timely as it was welcome displacing as it did a number of obsolete or unsuitable “navalised” airframes which were unable to compete in the rapidly evolving air war theatre(s). With a top speed of 417 MPH, the Corsair was the fastest fighter in the World upon introduction and brought much-needed naval parity. Subsequent developments increased this to 457 MPH, putting it on a par with early Jet powered counterparts. The Corsair’s robustness and versatility led to its subsequent adoption by UK; Australian, and New Zealand air arms / forces, forming an essential Allied counterpoint to Japanese dominance in the Pacific theatre by effectively ending the aerial supremacy of the Zero, and its stable mates.
The book comprises of an extensive introduction documenting design; construction, evolution and application of the Corsair and its various marks. As with other Images of War titles, the accompanying photographs are generally of a high quality and the captions beneath them are informative and illuminating. Indeed, the assembled photographs of the Corsair over the Pacific, and latterly, Korean skies are a testament to the flexibility of the aircraft and the sheer depth and breadth of the American military. Perhaps for this reason, the vast majority of the books’ content is devoted to US Military operations, with the Fleet Air Arm, and selected international operators making up the remainder.
From a personal perspective, my interest in the Corsair stems from its use by the Fleet Air Arm and its application by 1830; 1831, 1833, 1834,1836 and 1842 squadrons from 1943 until eventual disbandment in 1946. In Royal Navy service, the Corsair participated in attacks against the Tirpitz during Operation Goodwood, diversionary attacks in the Marianas during Operation Councillor, and operations over the skies of Okinawa during Operation Iceberg. The accompanying photographs are of a high standard, and the narrative is concise. However, from a personal perspective, operations undertaken by the Fleet Air Arm warranted an entire chapter rather than a limited review within the broader narrative. This is something of a missed opportunity, and in this sense a key part of the Corsair’s operational history has been unnecessarily bypassed.
The concluding segments are devoted to the last hurrah for the type in Navy Reserve service after its Korean exertions and withdrawal from frontline service in 1954. A limited spell competing in air-racing seemed to underline the ‘Bent-Wind Bird’s’ redundancy, and the mantle then fell to the remaining international operators for the definitive swansong. In this context, the accompanying photographs of French Corsair’s operating in the Suez theatre, and the limited conflict between El Salvador and Honduras during the “100 Hours War” round off the operational history of this remarkable aircraft.
It is sobering to note that withdrawal of some of the last frontline examples from the Fuerza Area Honduras air arms occurred in 1979 almost 40 years after the type was first introduced into US Navy.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the Vought Corsair. This text is easy to read and yet remains informative throughout. As with other titles within the Images of War series, it is a work which can be used as either a standalone work, or as a springboard for further studies.”
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