F4U-1 Corsair Lt Kenneth Walsh, VMF-124 Munda 1943

Product description

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 “Whispering 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.

VMF-124 arrived on Guadalcanal February 12, 1943. On April 1, 1943 Kenneth Ambrose Walsh downs three enemy aircraft on his first combat mission. On May 13, 1943, his second combat mission; Walsh became the first Corsair Ace by downing three aircraft and four probables. June 5, 1943 Walsh added two more aircraft before going on R&R until August 12, 1943.August 14, 1943 VMF-124 moves to Munda. By the end of August 1943 Walsh’s record is 20 aircraft victories and VMF-124 is sent to the USA. In June 1945 Walsh returns with VMF-222 and gets his 21st and last aircraft.

Specifications for the Vought F4U-1A

Total Aircraft Manufactured - 12,571 of 24 variants

Manufactured By – Vought and under license by Goodyear and Brewster

Crew – 1 pilot

Dimensions
Length – 33 ft 4in   (10.1 m)
Wingspan – 41 ft 0 in   (12.5 m)
Height – 16 ft 1 in   (4.9 m)

Performance
Powerplant – 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-8W radial engine producing 2,250 HP   (1,678 kW)
Maximum Speed – 425 mph   (369 kn / 684 kph)
Service Ceiling – 36,900 ft   (11,200 m)
Rate of Climb – 3,180 ft/min   (16.2 m/s)
Range – 1,015 mi   (882 nm / 1,633 km)

Weight
Empty – 8,982 lb   (4,073 kg)
Loaded – 14,000 lb   (6,300 kg)

Armament
Guns
6 x 0.50 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine guns with 400 rounds per gun for 4 and 375 
rounds per gun for two.
Rockets – 4 x 5 in. (12.7 cm) High Velocity Aircraft Rockets
And/or
Bombs – 2,000 lbs. (910 kg)