While the F4U Corsair is often considered one of the most visually appealing Warbirds, it’s design had some major drawback to overcome.
The XF4U-1 was the first airframe to fly with the R-2800 in May 1940 while also being the first single engine American fighter to exceed 400 mph in October 1940. The Corsair wouldn’t be the only fighter to utilize the 2,000 hp engine however. In this article you’ll find a list of some other aircraft to also use the R-2800.
Introduction
Okay, so lets just get this out of the way. The F4U Corsair or “Whistling Death” as it was coined by the Japanese is perhaps one of the most visually appealing Warbirds that has ever been designed and produced. The nickname was assigned due to the distinct high-pitched noise generated by the air-inlets for the 2-Stage Supercharged 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp Radial Engine. We’ll take a deeper dive into the 2,000hp engine a little later in this read.
For now lets begin to discuss the very things that make this plane such an iconic centerpiece at airshows around the country. NOT to say the R-2800 doesn’t contribute to that. It just deserves it’s own section, ya know? Alright, moving on.
Engineering and Design
Given that the Corsair was a U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft design, there were four main considerations for the design.
- Low stall speed
- Strong landing gear
- 1000 mile range
- Fast as hell
One of the most notable of the planes exterior features would be the massive Hamilton Standard Hydromatic 13ft 4in 3-blade propeller. It’s massive-ness did have a design purpose however; to generate as much thrust as possible from the also large R-2800 and minimize tip-speed. It would eventually serve as an obstacle due to the lack of ground clearance. However, Chief Engineer at Vought, Rex B. Beisel made it clear to his team that “speed is king”. (Sibila) The Vought team had also been receiving data from The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, later NASA that a mid-wing configuration was superior choice to reduce aerodynamic drag. Although, a mid-wing configuration would prompt Vought to design a taller and heavier landing gear, which would get in the way of Beisel’s need for speed.
While assessing their options, Rex offered the idea to leave the wing low, put a little bend in it with a shorter landing gear at the lowest point and let it rise to meet the fuselage at right angles. Going outboard the curved section could meet the outer panel at the wing-fold station. This allowed opportunity for a shorter and thus lighter gear than a low-wing configuration and MUCH shorter than a standard mid-wing. Thus, the legendary inverted gull wing XF4U-1 was born.
Other aircraft with a similar inverted gull-wing configuration are the Aichi B7A, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, Mitsubishi A5M Prototype and the Yermolayev Yer-2. A hyperlink will appear once Database articles are published for those aircraft.
The Vought team was given the green light to iron out the details in June 1938. They developed a landing-gear retraction mechanism that would fold back and rotate 90°, allowing the wheel to sit flush within the thickness of the wing, similar to that of the Vindicator.
Variants and Production Changes
The Corsair was produced in three plants during the war. Initially by Vought in June 1941 when the U.S. Navy signed a contract for 584 F4U-1. The first production F4U flew in June 1942. Goodyear was also contracted to build Corsairs under the designation FG-1 where the first production plane was finished in February 1943. Lastly would be Brewster, which the U.S. Navy seized in April 1942 and began producing F3A-1 Corsairs. This didn’t last as they ended production in July 1944 and Brewster was subsequently shut down.
Variants range from the XF4U-1 to the F4U-7.
Each variant of the F4U Corsair contributed to its overall combat effectiveness.
- F4U-1 (First Model)
- The F4U-1 had the early reputation of being hard to land on aircraft carriers due to its long nose and large wingspan. However, it was highly effective in combat once operational limitations were addressed, being used primarily for land-based attacks in the early part of the war.
- F4U-4 (Improved Model)
- The F4U-4 featured a more powerful engine, improved weapons, and better handling characteristics. This variant was instrumental in the later stages of World War II, especially in the Pacific Theater.
- F4U-5 (Korean War Version)
- The F4U-5 featured further refinements, such as a more powerful engine, making it suitable for both carrier and land-based operations in the Korean War. Its service was notable for ground attack missions, where its firepower and heavy ordinance proved invaluable.
- F4U-7 (Export Version)
- The F4U-7, an export version of the Corsair, was primarily used by the French Navy and played a significant role in the First Indochina War and later in Algeria, continuing the Corsair’s combat legacy well after its U.S. service had ended.
The Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp
Introduced in 1939, this American twin row 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine had a displacement of 2,804.5 cu in (46L) and an initial power rating of 2,000 hp. Being quite a bit smaller than the French counterpart had its advantages, but it also had drawbacks including heat dissipation. To combat this, they discarded the common method of casting or forging cooling fins into the head and opted to machine thinner fins that contoured to the shape of the cylinder head increasing cooling surface area and efficiency. Eventually adding water-cooling they were able to see upwards of 2,800 hp on 115 octane towards the end of the war.
Integrations
The Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp was a powerful radial engine used in many aircraft during World War II and beyond. It was known for its reliability and performance in both fighters and bombers. Here are some notable aircraft that utilized the R-2800 engine:
1. Fighter Aircraft:
- Vought F4U Corsair
- Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
- Grumman F6F Hellcat
- Grumman F8F Bearcat
- Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning (used multiple engine types, but some versions had the R-2800)
- P-61 Black Widow (used the R-2800 in some models)
2. Bomber Aircraft:
- Douglas A-26 Invader
- North American B-25 Mitchell
- B-24 Liberator (used the R-2800 in some versions)
- Martin B-26 Marauder
3. Naval Aircraft:
- Grumman TBF Avenger
- Grumman F4F Wildcat
- Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
This list includes a mix of American WWII aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and naval aircraft, but the R-2800 engine was used across many types, contributing significantly to the Allied victory due to its power and performance.
Technical and Performance Specifications
Combat Achievements
The F4U Corsair earned its place as one of the most successful fighters of World War II and beyond. With a kill-to-loss ratio of 11:1, it proved to be one of the deadliest and most reliable aircraft of its time. In addition to its combat prowess, the Corsair’s combination of speed, agility, firepower, and ruggedness allowed it to excel in a variety of combat situations, from air superiority to ground support.
Even though its carrier operations were somewhat hindered early on, it ultimately became a core part of the U.S. Navy’s and Marine Corps’ air wings in the latter half of the war and continued to be a major asset in the Korean War. The F4U Corsair’s legacy lives on in its combat achievements, its contributions to naval aviation, and its iconic design.
World War II (1942-1945)
The F4U Corsair made its first combat appearance in 1942 with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the end of the conflict, it had proven itself as one of the best carrier-based fighters ever built, with numerous victories over Japanese aircraft.
- Carrier Operations
- The F4U-1 was initially designed for carrier-based operations, but its larger wingspan and landing gear issues meant that it was used primarily by the Marines for land-based operations until improvements were made. Once modifications were introduced, it became an essential asset for the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings.
- The F4U Corsair became a dominant force against the Japanese Zero and other aircraft due to its superior speed, climb rate, and firepower. With its 6 .50-caliber Browning machine guns, it was deadly in dogfights.
- Corsairs were instrumental in defeating the Japanese in several major battles in the Pacific, including the Battle of the Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal.
- Air-to-Air Success
- The F4U achieved an impressive 11-to-1 kill ratio during World War II, downing over 2,000 enemy aircraft. One of its most famous pilots, Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, who commanded the Black Sheep Squadron, earned the Navy Cross and was credited with 28 kills. Boyington’s leadership played a key role in solidifying the Corsair’s reputation as a top fighter.
- Ground Attack and Close Air Support
- The Corsair’s versatility allowed it to take on a variety of roles. It was not only an air superiority fighter but also an effective ground attack aircraft. Corsairs participated in ground attack missions during the Battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, providing close air support for Marine and Army ground forces.
- The F4U was also involved in bombing and strafing runs against Japanese naval vessels, troop concentrations, and supply lines.
- Escort Missions
- The F4U Corsair was used in long-range escort missions for bombers. Its high speed and long range made it ideal for protecting bombers as they flew deep into enemy territory. During missions like the Marianas Turkey Shoot, Corsairs successfully defended bomber formations from Japanese fighters.
- Successful in All-encompassing Missions
- The F4U-4 variant, introduced in 1944, had enhanced speed, power, and a refined cockpit that made it a more effective and efficient fighter. These upgrades helped the Corsair become the primary naval fighter in the final years of the war, complementing and sometimes replacing earlier aircraft like the F6F Hellcat.
- In the final stages of World War II, Corsairs were involved in the destruction of the Japanese Imperial Navy, including sinking or heavily damaging numerous Japanese ships during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Post-WWII: The Korean War (1950-1953)
After World War II, the F4U Corsair remained in service and saw action during the Korean War. Although it was replaced by jets like the F9F Panther in some areas, the Corsair continued to be a valuable asset in ground attack roles.
- Combat in Korea
- The F4U-5 and F4U-7 variants, which had improved performance and avionics, played an essential role in the Korean War, where they were used for close air support and ground-attack missions. Corsairs were particularly effective against Chinese and North Korean forces, flying hundreds of sorties per day.
- The Corsair participated in bombing runs, fighter sweeps, and rescue missions, proving its versatility and effectiveness even as jet aircraft became the norm for air superiority.
- Notable Achievements
- The Corsair was credited with shooting down a significant number of enemy aircraft during the Korean War, though its primary role was close air support. It had a highly successful combat record against North Korean ground forces, attacking bridges, supply lines, and enemy troop positions.
- End of an Era
- By the end of the Korean War, the Corsair’s role in front-line combat had diminished as newer jets took over, but it remained a vital part of naval aviation until the late 1950s, when it was replaced by more advanced aircraft like the A-4 Skyhawk and F-8 Crusader.
Popular Media Legacy
During the 1940s and 1950s, the Corsair appeared in numerous wartime films, where its rugged performance and victory in the Pacific Theater were highlighted. Films such as “The Blue Angels” (1943) showcased the Corsair as a symbol of American aviation prowess, while “The Bridges at Toko-Ri” (1954) portrayed its continued role in the Korean War, maintaining its status as a revered warplane.
In modern media, the Corsair remains a powerful symbol. The 2022 film “Devotion” brought the aircraft back to prominence by telling the true story of Ensign Jesse Brown and his partnership with Lieutenant Tom Hudner during the Korean War. The film highlighted the Corsair’s ruggedness and the bravery of its pilots, bringing the aircraft into the spotlight for new audiences.
An F2G Super Corsair better known as “Race 57” starred in a film called “Thunder Over Reno“.
The Corsair also continues to feature in documentaries like “Great Planes” and digital platforms such as video games like “War Thunder”, where it is revered for its combat legacy. Its visual impact, with its iconic gull-wing design, ensures its continued relevance, both in historical contexts and as a symbol of American military excellence.
Survivors
The F4U Corsair remains an iconic aircraft with several examples preserved, restored, and displayed in museums around the world. As of today, there are approximately 10 to 15 Corsairs still flying, with many others on static display in museums.
Notable examples include the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, which showcases a restored flying F4U-4 Corsair; the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which displays an original F4U-1 Corsair; and the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, which features a fully restored F4U-1D Corsair. The Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston, Texas, and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario also house flying examples, the latter being one of the few flying Corsairs in Canada.
Other flying examples can be found with the Commemorative Air Force, the Warbird Heritage Foundation, and at events like EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. These Corsairs are regularly flown at airshows, contributing to public interest and historical preservation.
While the number of flying Corsairs is limited, if you can attend an airshow event in the U.S. you are likely to see one eventually.
Final Thoughts
The F4U Corsair stands as a testament to American ingenuity, combining bold design with unmatched effectiveness. The engineers at Vought, led by the brilliant Rex Beisel, defied convention and created an aircraft that was not only aesthetically striking but also incredibly lethal. The Corsair was a symbol of American engineering audacity.
As the Korean War loomed, however, newer and faster aircraft like the F9F Panther and F2H Banshee began to take the stage. The jet age had arrived, and the Corsair, despite its many talents, couldn’t keep up with the speed and altitude advantages of the new generation of fighters. The jet-powered planes were quicker, had better range, and could perform high-speed operations that left the Corsair a bit more… well, “old school.”
Though the Corsair was gradually replaced in active service, its legacy has only grown stronger. It remains one of the most revered aircraft in history, still recognized for its distinctive look and impressive combat record. Even today, it’s considered one of the most badass planes ever built.
While jets may have taken over the skies, the F4U Corsair will always be remembered as one of aviation’s finest, and continues to captivate both aviation enthusiasts and historians alike—because who doesn’t love a plane that can still turn heads decades after its prime?
Brendan Kirley
Huge space nerd, but I guess airplanes are pretty cool too..
Thanks for reading!
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