The new Corsair is really great news for the diecast collecting community. There hasn't been a new Corsair tooling in ages and this should bring it bang up to date. It is very interesting to note that this model with have a folded wing option. One without hinges but an interchangeable wing.
The Corsair is an evocative aircraft with its gull wing necesitated by the huge propeller. It was the first US fighter to top 400mph and was a heavy hitter armed with .50 Brownings.
Not used by the US Navy initially due to wrongly held concerns, it was used by the US Marines as a land based fighter and the Royal Navy, who operated smaller carriers, and proved its value. Had the Corsair been used by the US Navy when introduced into service the Hellcat may well have had its status as top scorer challenged.
From the HM Collectors site:
The Vought F4U Corsair was literally built around the Pratt & Whitney 2,000 HP radial engine. The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required.
The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as “Whistling Death” and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.
Born Ira Cassius Kepford he joined the USN Reserve in August 1941 and was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in April 1942. On November 5, 1942 Kepford earned his wings and commission as Ensign, USNR. In January 1943 he was assigned to the Fighting Squadron 17 the famous "Jolly Rogers," until March 1944.
He then transferred to the VF-84 until December 1944 when he once more transferred, this time to the staff of Commander Fleet Air, West Coast. In May, 1945 he was promoted to Lieutenant and left active duty on November 7, 1945 to return to the USNR.
When he retired in June 1956 he was a Lieutenant Commander. Flying his F4U-1 Corsair Kepford became an Ace with 16 confirmed victories and 1 unconfirmed.
