150 Chance Vought F4U-4 to -7

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Chance Vought F4U-4 through F4U-7 Corsair variants represent the ultimate development of America's most distinctive fighter aircraft, incorporating advanced powerplants and sophisticated systems that maintained the Corsair's combat effectiveness through the Korean War and beyond. This comprehensive profile examines the evolution of these late-war and post-war variants under Rex Beisel's continued design leadership at Chance Vought Aircraft, creating fighters that combined proven aerodynamic design with increasingly powerful engines and enhanced equipment that extended the aircraft's operational relevance well beyond World War II. The book details the progression from the F4U-4's introduction in 1944 through the F4U-7's specialized attack configuration for French naval service, analyzing how continuous development maintained the Corsair's competitive edge against increasingly sophisticated opponents. Technical analysis reveals the substantial performance improvements achieved through engine upgrades: the F4U-4 with Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W producing 2,450 horsepower, achieving maximum speed of 446 mph at 26,200 feet, while the F4U-5 with R-2800-32W reached 470 mph and incorporated sophisticated all-weather equipment for night and adverse weather operations. The profile examines advanced variants including the F4U-4B with four 20mm cannons, the F4U-5N night fighter with radar equipment, and the F4U-5P photo-reconnaissance version with specialized camera installations for intelligence gathering missions. Operational history chronicles the F4U-4's combat debut during the final months of World War II, where improved performance and enhanced armament proved devastatingly effective against Japanese kamikaze attacks and remaining fighter opposition throughout the Pacific theater. The book examines extensive Korean War service where Corsair variants provided crucial close air support for United Nations ground forces, demonstrating exceptional effectiveness in ground attack missions despite facing jet fighter opposition and sophisticated anti-aircraft defenses. Combat accounts detail typical Korean War missions including close air support operations, interdiction attacks against enemy supply lines, and the aircraft's adaptation to harsh winter conditions that tested both aircraft reliability and pilot endurance. The profile covers specialized variants including the AU-1 attack version optimized for close support missions with enhanced armor protection and increased ordnance capacity, demonstrating the aircraft's evolution from air superiority fighter to specialized ground attack platform. Technical sections examine advanced systems including sophisticated radar installations in night fighter variants, enhanced navigation equipment for all-weather operations, and improved armament systems that increased combat effectiveness while maintaining operational reliability. French Navy service receives detailed coverage, analyzing the F4U-7's specialized configuration for carrier operations from smaller French carriers, including modifications for different operational requirements and climate conditions in Indochina operations. The book details various armament configurations including rocket projectiles, napalm tanks, and conventional bombs that made later Corsair variants among the most effective ground attack aircraft of the early jet age. Training programs are analyzed, examining the specialized techniques required for advanced Corsair operations and the development of jet-age tactics using propeller-driven aircraft in increasingly sophisticated combat environments. Manufacturing details reveal continued production through 1952 with over 12,571 F4Us of all variants manufactured, demonstrating the aircraft's enduring value and the success of continuous development programs that maintained operational relevance. Notable operations featured include major Korean War campaigns where Corsairs provided essential close air support, French operations in Indochina where F4U-7s demonstrated effectiveness in counterinsurgency operations, and the aircraft's role in developing modern close air support techniques. The profile analyzes the aircraft's remarkable longevity, serving effectively from 1943 through the late 1960s with various air forces worldwide, demonstrating the value of robust design combined with continuous improvement and adaptation to changing operational requirements. Post-war developments are covered including civilian conversions, racing modifications, and the aircraft's influence on subsequent fighter-bomber designs that incorporated lessons learned from Corsair operations in various combat environments. The comprehensive analysis includes detailed technical drawings, cockpit modifications, and color schemes from various military operators worldwide, providing essential reference material for understanding the complete evolution of this remarkable fighter through its extended operational career spanning multiple conflicts and technological transitions.

150 Chance Vought F4U-4 to -7, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.