SU Corsair

The Vought SU‑Corsair is a naval fighter that traces its roots to the iconic F4U series first introduced in 1940. Developed by Vought for the United States Navy, the Corsair’s debut in World War II marked a dramatic shift in carrier aviation, combining a powerful Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 Double Wasp radial engine with a distinctive inverted‑gull wing that provided both structural strength and clearance for the massive propeller. The SU variant, refined after the war, incorporated an all‑metal fuselage, improved hydraulic systems, and a reinforced undercarriage, allowing it to operate from the newer, larger‑deck carriers of the early Cold War era. Its top speed of just over 420 mph, a service ceiling above 37,000 feet, and a payload capacity that included six .50‑caliber machine guns and up to 2,000 lb of bombs or rockets made it a versatile platform for air‑to‑air combat, ground attack, and close‑support missions. The Corsair’s robust design and combat record—earning the nickname “Whistling Death” for its distinctive engine sound—solidified its reputation as one of the most effective carrier‑borne fighters ever built, influencing subsequent naval aircraft concepts and leaving a lasting legacy in aviation history.