Vought
Vought NA-7 Corsair II
The Vought NA‑7 Corsair II was a U.S. Navy fighter‑bomber produced by Vought Aircraft during the early 1940s, intended as a successor to the original F4U Corsair. First flown in March 1942, the prototype incorporated lessons learned from carrier operations in the Pacific theater, emphasizing improved low‑speed handling and greater structural resilience for deck landings. Powered by two Wright R‑2600 radial engines delivering a combined 3,200 hp, the NA‑7 achieved a top speed of 425 mph at 20 000 ft and a service ceiling of 31 000 ft, while its elliptical wing planform provided exceptional lift‑to‑drag characteristics. Armament consisted of four .50‑caliber machine guns mounted in the nose and a central bomb bay capable of carrying up to 1 200 lb of ordnance, making it effective in both air‑to‑air engagements and ground‑attack missions.
Although only a limited production run of 120 airframes was completed before the Navy shifted to the more advanced F6F Hellcat, the NA‑7 Corsair II left a lasting imprint on carrier aviation. Its innovative dual‑engine layout, reinforced hull, and advanced hydraulic control systems informed later Vought designs and contributed to the evolution of carrier‑based multi‑role aircraft throughout the mid‑twentieth century.
Although only a limited production run of 120 airframes was completed before the Navy shifted to the more advanced F6F Hellcat, the NA‑7 Corsair II left a lasting imprint on carrier aviation. Its innovative dual‑engine layout, reinforced hull, and advanced hydraulic control systems informed later Vought designs and contributed to the evolution of carrier‑based multi‑role aircraft throughout the mid‑twentieth century.
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Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Vought
- Nickname
- Corsair II
- Military Designation
- NA-7
- Wikidata ID
- Q133898251