Wingspan: 13"
Length: 10”
Code: PW07001

“Whistling Death.” That’s how the Japanese feared the F4U-1 in aerial combat during World War II. The Corsair is the first US single-engine production aircraft capable of 400 mph, the fastest at that time. It has a distinct bent-wing configuration that generates a whistling sound. That earned it the moniker “Whistling Death.”  

The development of the Corsair answered the US Navy requirement for a carrier aircraft which could match the performance of the best land and carrier-based fighter planes. It was designed in 1938 by Rex Biesel and first entered service in 1942. Although designed as a carrier fighter, initial operation from carrier decks proved to be troublesome. Its slow speed handling was tricky. This factor, together with poor visibility over the long nose, made landing a Corsair on a carrier a difficult task. Because of these, most Corsairs initially went to Marine Corps squadrons who operated off land-based runways.  

The USMC aviators welcomed the Corsair as its performance was far superior to the F4F-3 and -4 Wildcat, which were being used at that time. Moreover, the Corsair was able to outperform the primary Japanese fighter, the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero". The F4U-1 also dived into action during the Korean War. This well-armed aircraft was the first propeller plane to shoot down a MiG fighter jet in the Korean War.

Weaponry: 
 

• 6 x .50 calibre machine guns
• double payload of rockets 

The "F4U-1 Corsair USN" is brought to life through this meticulously hand-carved mahogany wood model plane by craftsmen with over 30 years of experience. Scale from an exact blueprint, this piece of art was lavished and hand-painted with great concern for details and accuracy. A wood base and a brief history plate go with this F4U-1 Corsair USN model plane. 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 

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 FAA and RNZAF. Eventually, more than 12,500 F4Us would be built, comprising 16 separate models. 

World War II variants included: F4U-1: The first Corsair with the original cockpit seat height and "bird cage" canopy. It was based on the XF4U, but differed with the addition of a larger fuel tank and the removal of the fuselage windows behind the canopy as well as a modified armament consisting of six Browning MG53-2 0.50" machine guns. A land-based version for the USMC, without the folding wing capability, was built by Goodyear under the designation FG-1. In Fleet Air Arm service the F4U-1 was given the name Corsair Mk I. 

F4U-1A: Variant incorporating the new "Malcolm" hood with only two struts, similar to the canopy of the Supermarine Spitfire. The cockpit seat was also raised to allow the pilot to see over the long nose as well. F4U-1As supplied to the USMC lacked folding wings and arrester hooks. Aircraft ready for naval service, however, had these features. Additionally, an R-2800-8W engine with water injection was experimented on one of the late F4U-1As. After satisfactory results, many F4U-1As were fitted with the new powerplant. The aircraft carried 237 U.S. gal. (897 L) in the main fuel tank, located in front of the cockpit, as well as an unarmored, non-self-sealing 62 U.S. Gal. (235 L) fuel tank in each wing. With drop tanks fitted, the fighter had a maximum ferry range of just over 1,500 mi. (2,425 km). A land-based version, without the folding wing capability, was built by Goodyear as the FG-1A. In British service, the aircraft type was modified with clipped wings for use on British aircraft carriers, under the designation Corsair Mk II.