Number 4: Chance Vought F4U Corsair
The Pacific Theater of war provides yet another ace-maker.
by Staff Writer

< Grumman F6F Hellcat | Focke-Wulf Fw190 >

Synopsis: Along with the F6F Hellcat, the F4U was an equally-important Allied warplane in the Pacific Theater of Operations accounting for over 64,000 combat sorties by war's end. The bent-wing design afforded the system good handling characteristics and stability. The system also had the distinction of performing equally well as a land-based and weapon system when called upon. The F4U went on to see further combat action in the Korean War as both a close-support aircraft and a competent nightfighter.

Pros: Six .50 caliber guns and rocket-carrying capability; large propeller and powerful engine performance provided for superior handling and overall capabilities.

Notoriety: Japanese respected it enough to call it "Whistling Death"; accounted for over 2,140 enemy kills; star of television show Black Sheep Squadron.

Total Production: 12,500

Variants: Goodyear F2G "Super Corsair"

Operators: Argentina, El Salvador, France, Honduras, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States.

< Grumman F6F Hellcat | Focke-Wulf Fw190 >