Hobby Master 1/48 HA8210 F4U-1 Corsair "Eight Ball/Dangerous Dan", VMF-213, Guadalcanal, 1943

The Vought F4U Corsair was literally built around the Pratt & Whitney 2,000 HP radial engine. The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required. The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as Whispering Death and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.

 VMF-213 Hellhawks was formed July 1, 1942 at Ewa. On February 21, 1943 VMF-213 arrived at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides (Vanuatu today) and were equipped with their Corsairs. On June 17, 1943 the squadron was sent to the Russell Islands, 60 miles northwest of Guadalcanal to relieve the VMF-124. VMF-213 took part in assaults against New Georgia and Kahali before returning to the U.S. on December 9, 1943 for R&R.