Hobby Master 1/48 HA8211 F4U-1 Corsair BuNo.02714 "Spirit of 76", VMF-215, Munda, August 1943
Hobby Master 1/48 F4U-1 Corsair BuNo.02714 "Spirit of 76", VMF-215, Munda, August 1943 HA8211
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.
F4U-1 Corsair “Spirit of 76” BuNo. 02714 supposedly belonged to Maj Robert G. Owens Jr. but in fact he only flew this aircraft once in combat. Other pilots included Owens’ wingman Roger Conant who flew it twice in August 1943. VMF-214 and VFM-215 squadrons pooled their aircraft so it wasn’t uncommon for pilots of either unit to occasionally fly the same aircraft. Ed Olander of VMF-214 flew 2714 once in October 1943 but none of these pilots gained a victory flying 2714. American forces battled from December 1942 until August 1943 when Munda was finally captured. captured.