Trader220,
Well, It was known as "Whistling Death" by the Japanese. The hose nose by Navy Pilots and was refered to as the Sweetheart of Okinawa by many. The F4U-1 thru -9 and the F2-G were variants and numerically reflect typical maturity. The basic airframe designed by Voight Aircraft was designed to be fast and rubust. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-x Variants were VERY powerful radial engines and reliable. 2200 HP plus as they matured also. The noticeable attribute was the "Iinverted Gull Wing" which was design to limit the moment arm of the landing gear. The reason was the Hamilton Standard hydromatic propeller diameter of over 13 feet. Designers brought the wing closer to the ground. I wonder if MFAFF is going to agree? Capable of over 400 MPH which really depends on density altitude. What I mean is the pacific saw dog fighting at a much lower altitude than in Europe. Engine torque, manueverability and tactics would get you back to base.
In summation: the F-4U Corsair was a great aircraft used through out the Pacific in the Island Hopping Campaign. Originally designated to Marine Corp squadrons and then flown off carriers.
I believe the name "Hose Nose" was coined by the Navy Pilots. It was faster that the A6M Zero and carried armour . The platform was very capable as long as pilots used the dogfitgting tactics that Pappy Boyington and Ray Blackburn had developed. Deflection shoot and dont try to turn with the Zero. All In all a great plane and was know to score the first air to air victory over a Mig 15 In Korea.....Also I believe it was the first to drop Napalm.
The F-2G was a Corsair variant redesigned to incorporate the Pratt and Whitney R-4360 (28 cylinder) corncobb motor over 3000 HP. I understand it was developed to counter Kamakazi threats, but too late to see action along with the F-8F Bearcat.
Great aircraft but not used in the European Theatre or Operation (ETO) that why it wasnt mentioned earlier....
Thanks .. OK MFAFF...Dont argue for the sake of arguing...
Have at it .I can defend my Rhetoric...
Bob