XF4U-3 Corsair

The Vought XF4U-3 Corsair was an experimental prototype that extended the capabilities of the legendary F4U series during the early 1940s. Developed as a response to the United States Navy’s demand for higher speed and greater firepower, the XF4U-3 incorporated a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22W engine paired with a larger propeller and a reinforced wing structure. The aircraft featured a streamlined cowling, fully retractable landing gear, and an enlarged cockpit canopy that improved pilot visibility. Armament was upgraded to six 0.50‑inch machine guns and provisions for air‑to‑ground rockets, giving it a versatile combat profile. Flight testing in 1942 demonstrated a top speed exceeding 425 mph, a climb rate of 4,500 ft/min, and handling characteristics that surpassed the production F4U‑1. Although the XF4U‑3 never entered mass production, its innovations directly influenced the design of the later F4U‑4 and F4U‑7 models, especially in engine cooling, propeller geometry, and armament layout. The prototype’s contribution to carrier‑based fighter development cemented the Corsair’s reputation as a decisive asset in World II and set standards for post‑war naval aviation. Its legacy endures in modern carrier fighters that still value speed and firepower.

Vought

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Design & Classification