Yiannis Mitzas

XF4u-4 Corsair

On January 25, 1944, Chance Vought received a letter of intent from the Navy regarding a proposal from the company to build the XF4U-4. The program began with the modification of two F4U-1 aircraft as prototypes, which contained the essential elements of a new engine, revised air ducts, large oil coolers and a new air duct in the lower part of the engine cowling to cope with increased engine air requirements, and a four-bladed propeller instead of three. These aircraft were designated two F4U-4X models. The first flight of the F4U-4X was on April 19, 1944.The test pilot reported a markedly increased performance on the first flight. Top speed was increased to 450 mph at 26,200 feet compared to the F4U-1D’s 425 mph at 20,000 feet. The rate of climb was increased from 3,100 feet per minute to 4,000 feet per minute. The service ceiling was increased by almost 5,000 feet to 41,500 feet.Other changes included in the XF4U-4 were the elevation of the cockpit deck to raise the pilot’s feet to reduce the effect of acceleration during maneuvering combat, the repositioning of instruments and controls, the use of a new bubble canopy, and the addition of a new armored seat that provided more pilot protection.The fighter-bomber capabilities were enhanced by the installation of missile stations in the outer wing panels. The appearance of the new Corsair remained essentially the same with the long nose inverted gull wing design. In addition to increased performance, the F4U-4B version carried four 20 mm cannons instead of the six .50 caliber machine guns. It could carry missiles on the outer wings of the panel. The twin pylons located in the center section of the wing could carry either two 150-gallon tanks, two 1,000-pound bombs, or two large 11.75-inch rockets.

XF4U-4 Corsair (80759)Bureau Number 80759 is a Vought XF4U-4 Corsair currently on display at the New England Air Museum. A pre-production prototype of the F4U-4, it was used in armament tests before being placed in storage and eventually displayed at my site. It became the third F4U-4 built.

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