As we celebrate Aviation History Month, it’s essential to honor the remarkable aircraft that have shaped military history and inspired generations of aviators. Among these iconic aircraft is the Vought F4U Corsair, known for its innovative design and pivotal role in World War II. This legendary fighter-bomber not only showcased cutting-edge engineering but also became a symbol of bravery and skill for the pilots who flew it. The Intrepid Museum recently accepted one of these historic aircraft on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum. It will be on display in the Museum in March of 2025.
Developed by Chance Vought, the F4U Corsair quickly became one of the most popular and effective combat aircraft in World War II. Designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, this fighter-bomber featured a small footprint and foldable wings. Due to the high demand for Corsairs during WWII, Goodyear and Brewster were enlisted to supplement production. The Corsair that will be displayed on Intrepid is an FG-1D, manufactured by Goodyear, which produced approximately 4,000 of the total Corsairs built.
Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of George Eddy. P2011.14.10
Measuring 41 feet wide and over 33 feet long, the FG-1D Corsair was one of the most formidable aircraft of its time. It could reach speeds up to 446 mph and was armed with six .50-caliber machine guns and two 1,000-pound bombs.
The Corsair’s unique design featured inverted gull wings, which served two primary purposes. First, they accommodated the aircraft’s very large propeller, one of the largest on aircraft at the time. Second, the design kept the main landing gear strut length short enough to ensure its integrity during carrier landings.
Corsairs began flying off Intrepid in 1943. The pilots who flew these aircraft served in the Pacific Theater and were crucial to the Allied victory. Three squadrons flew Corsairs off Intrepid during the war: VF-10, VBF-10, and VF(N)-101.
Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of George H. Spooner LTCDR USN. P2008.10.144 The Corsair that will go on display at the Intrepid Museum is one of the world’s few remaining intact examples. Although this specific aircraft did not fly from Intrepid, Corsairs were among the most flown aircraft from the carrier’s flight deck.
Beloved by pilots and aircraft enthusiasts alike, the Intrepid Museum is honored to display this legendary aircraft as a centerpiece on the Museum’s hangar deck.
To learn more about the Corsair and other aircraft, visit the Intrepid Museum. Tickets can be purchased here. Explore our collections online or dive deeper with our digital guide.
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