The Top Speed of a WWII Corsair: F4U-4 and F4U-5

In World War II, the Corsair (F4U series) was a highly versatile and powerful fighter aircraft. Known for its impressive performance and notable speed, it played a crucial role in many battles across the Pacific theater. This article will explore the top speed of both the F4U-4 and F4U-5 variants, as well as other variants of the Corsair fighters.

F4U-4: The Fastest in Service During WWII

The F4U-4, which entered combat in the final stages of the war, was the fastest production variant of the Corsair. With a top speed of 446 mph (718 km/h), it was faster than its ground-attack sibling, the F4U-1, and also outperformed the P-51 Mustang, a renowned high-performance fighter. The reason for such impressive speed was its powerful 2,100 hp engine, which, when coupled with a water/alcohol injection system, could boost horsepower to an astonishing 2,450, enabling the Corsair to reach speeds faster than the P-51.

Comparison with Other High-Performance Aircraft

The F4U-4 was not just fast, but also versatile. It could accelerate quickly and maintain its top speed at high altitudes, making it a formidable opponent for Japanese Zero fighters. A6M Zero, famous for its agility at low speeds, could not match the Corsair at higher speeds. The reason for this is the Zero's lack of power boost for its controls, which made it hard to maneuver at high speeds. The Corsair, however, had significantly improved control at higher speeds due to its advanced engine technology and design.

Other Variants of the Corsair

The F4U-1A and F4U-1D were among the most common variants of the Corsair and saw extensive action during the war. The F4U-1A had a top speed of 417 mph (671 km/h), which was still impressive considering the technological constraints of the time. The F4U-1D, which entered service shortly after, had a top speed of 425 mph (684 km/h), thanks to a water-injection system that boosted the engine's power.

The F4U-5: Unbeatable Speed

While the F4U-4 was already a fast aircraft, the F4U-5 pushed the boundaries even further. With an engine capable of 2,450 hp, the F4U-5 had a top speed of 471 mph (757 km/h), making it the fastest production variant of the Corsair. It was designed to achieve its top speed at 26,000 ft, where the thinner air provided ideal conditions for such performance. However, the F4U-5 entered service late, just after the end of World War II, and did not see combat.

Another Experimental Variant: The F2G Corsair

While the F4U-5 was the fastest, there were experimental variants that aimed for even greater performance. The F2G Corsair was one such experimental design, featuring a 3,000 hp R-4360 engine. Despite its impressive specifications, it did not achieve the desired performance due to the engine's single-stage supercharger. However, its high-speed performance at sea level (399 mph) was still remarkable, making it a fascinating piece of aviation history.

Conclusion

The Corsair, particularly the F4U-4 and F4U-5, were incredible machines of war, capable of achieving speeds that were both astonishing and crucial for gaining air superiority during World War II. The F4U-4's 446 mph speed, powered by a water/alcohol injection system, made it faster than many of its contemporaries, while the F4U-5 pushed the boundaries of what the Corsair could achieve. These aircraft not only left a lasting legacy in aviation history but also played a significant role in the outcome of many battles during the war.