Vought F4U-1D Corsair

Plastic model kit of the U.S. Chance Vought F4U-1D Corsair fighter/fighter-bomber

• Scale: 1:32
• Dimensions (assembled): Length 323 mm / Wingspan 390 mm
• 355 parts
• Clear parts and photo-etched parts included
• Rubber tires
• 2 marking options:
  • VMF-312 "White 530", Okinawa, 1945
  • FF-59
• Unassembled and unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Chance Vought F4U-1D Corsair was a capable carrier-based fighter and fighter-bomber variant of the American F4U Corsair. Entering widespread service in 1944, the F4U-1D was operated by both the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. With its distinctive inverted gull wing, powerful radial engine, and high speed, it became one of the most famous US fighter aircraft of the Pacific War.

The F4U-1D was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-8 Double Wasp engine producing approximately 2,000 hp. The aircraft achieved a top speed of around 640 km/h. The large radial engine necessitated the characteristic inverted gull wing design, which allowed for shorter landing gear legs while still providing sufficient clearance for the large propeller.

Standard armament consisted of six 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns mounted in the wings. The F4U-1D was also particularly well-suited for the fighter-bomber role; it could carry two 1,000 lb bombs or unguided rockets under its wings. This enabled it to engage enemy aircraft as well as attack ground targets, ships, and fortifications. A key improvement of the F4U-1D over the F4U-1 was its optimized configuration for bombing and rocket attacks. It also featured increased fuel capacity and cockpit upgrades. Initially, the F4U-1D operated primarily from land bases, though it was later increasingly deployed from aircraft carriers.

During the Pacific War, the Corsair proved its worth, particularly in the campaigns for the Marshall Islands, the Marianas, the Philippines, and Okinawa. Its high speed, heavy armament, and long range made it an outstanding fighter and fighter-bomber. Towards the end of the war, the F4U-1D was increasingly used for ground-attack missions.