New York, NY (October 2, 2024) — A legendary piece of aviation history is set to take center stage at the Intrepid Museum: a World War II FG-1D Corsair, courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of the Navy History and Heritage Command. The Corsair arrived at the Museum last night around 10pm from Washington D.C. Known for its pivotal role in the Pacific theater, this iconic aircraft will undergo restoration by the Museum’s in-house specialists in its Aircraft Restoration Hangar. With only a few remaining intact, the historic aircraft is scheduled to be unveiled to the public in March 2025, in Intrepid’s hangar deck.
The Corsair, designed as a carrier fighter-bomber, was essential to the U.S. Navy’s success in World War II. The Museum’s newest exhibit will center around the story of Alfred Lerch, a decorated Corsair pilot from Intrepid’s VF-10 squadron. Lerch achieved “ace in a day” status by downing seven enemy aircraft in a single day of combat. For his exemplary service, Lerch was awarded the Navy Cross, and the restored Corsair will bear his personal markings.
This new display follows last year’s unveiling of Final Flight: The Story of a World War II Corsair, which features fragments from a Corsair that flew off Intrepid during World War II. Together, the two exhibits will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the history, engineering and legacy of the Corsair aircraft and the courageous pilots who flew them.
"Bringing this iconic Corsair to Intrepid has been a long-held goal of the Museum," said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, president of the Intrepid Museum. "It allows us to highlight the valor and skill of Intrepid’s Corsair pilots, especially Alfred Lerch, and further deepen our commitment to preserving the history of these remarkable aircraft."
The restoration will focus on repainting and metal work to ensure it reflects the authentic appearance of an Intrepid Corsair, complete with markings from Lerch’s aircraft. Restoration is expected to be completed by early March 2025.
At 41 feet wide and over 33 feet long, the FG-1D Corsair was one of the most formidable aircraft of its time. While this specific Corsair did not fly from Intrepid, Corsairs were one of the most flown aircraft from Intrepid’s flight deck. Capable of reaching speeds up to 446 mph, the Corsair was armed with six .50-caliber machine guns and two 1,000-pound bombs. This specific Corsair, built by Goodyear, is part of a loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum.
For more information and updates on the Corsair exhibit and restoration process, please visit IntrepidMuseum.org.
This aircraft loan is courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida.
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