Does the Corsair Still Exist? A Deep Dive into the Legacy of a WWII Icon

Yes and no. The F4U Corsair, the legendary World War II fighter plane, no longer exists in active military service. Production ended in 1952, and it was phased out of the US Navy by 1957. However, the legacy of the Corsair lives on through a dedicated group of aviation enthusiasts, museums, and a few remaining flyable examples.

The term “Corsair” is now perhaps better known within the computer hardware industry. Corsair Gaming, Inc., an American company specializing in computer peripherals and hardware, now carries the name, completely separate from the aircraft company.

This article will explore the past and present of both the iconic aircraft and the modern technology company that shares its name, and answer frequently asked questions about each.

The F4U Corsair: A Legend in the Skies

The F4U Corsair was a truly remarkable aircraft, celebrated for its speed, ruggedness, and firepower. It served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable planes of its era. Between 1941 and 1952, about 12,500 F4Us rolled off the assembly line. But today, only a small fraction of these remain, with fewer than 30 existing globally, and just 10 to 15 still flyable in the United States.

The “Bent Wing Widow Maker” and “Whistling Death”

The Corsair’s unique design, featuring an inverted gull wing, earned it the nickname “Bent Wing Widow Maker” among early carrier pilots due to its tricky landing characteristics. It also earned the moniker “Whistling Death” from the Japanese, a testament to the terrifying shriek produced by its wing root vents during dives.

Why the Corsair was Difficult to Fly

Several design factors contributed to the Corsair’s difficult handling. Its powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine and large propeller produced high torque, making takeoffs challenging, especially from the confines of an aircraft carrier. Furthermore, its long nose hindered forward visibility, especially during landing approaches, leading to frequent accidents early in its service.

Corsair’s Service and Achievements

Despite its challenges, the Corsair achieved a remarkable record in combat. Its pilots shot down over 2,140 Japanese aircraft during World War II. In the Korean War, a Marine pilot flying a Corsair was the first to shoot down a MiG-15 jet while operating a propeller-driven aircraft, showcasing the aircraft’s enduring power. The Corsair, initially deemed too challenging for carrier operations, became indispensable with design modifications and pilots’ experience.

The End of the Line

The F4U-7 Corsair was the last variant produced, which remained in active service with the French Navy even after the US Navy phased it out by mid-1957. Ultimately, the plane was replaced in FAH service by 12 ex-Israeli Defense Force Air Force Super Mysteres between 1976-1979, marking the end of the F4U’s time in active military duty.

Corsair Gaming, Inc.: The Modern Name Bearer

While the Corsair aircraft may be largely confined to history, the Corsair name lives on in the technology world. Corsair Gaming, Inc., based in Milpitas, California, is a major player in the computer peripherals and hardware market. Founded in 1994 as Corsair Microsystems, it was later incorporated in Delaware in 2007. Corsair Gaming is known for high-performance gaming products, such as memory, power supplies, cases, and cooling solutions. This company has no relation to the aircraft manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Corsair

Historical F4U Corsair FAQs

1. Is the Corsair still in service? No, the F4U Corsair was phased out of active US military service by 1957. The French Navy was its last user, with the F4U-7 model, which ended around 1979.

2. What replaced the Corsair in US Navy service? The Corsair was replaced by jet aircraft.

3. Has a Corsair ever shot down a jet? Yes, a Corsair shot down a MiG-15 in the Korean War.

4. Why was the Corsair so hard to fly? Its high torque, large propeller, and long nose made carrier landings particularly challenging, causing visibility issues.

5. Was the Corsair faster than the P-51 Mustang? The F4U-4 had a slightly higher top speed of 446 mph compared to the P-51D at 440 mph. But, realistically the speed difference was negligible.

6. Was the Corsair better than the Hellcat? While the Grumman F6F Hellcat had a higher kill ratio (19:1), the F4U Corsair is generally considered the more advanced and better performing aircraft.

7. What plane did the Japanese fear the most? While the Zero was the preeminent fighter of the day, the F4U Corsair, was a serious threat which the Japanese nicknamed “Whistling Death”.

8. Why was the Corsair called the “Widowmaker”? This was an early nickname, due to the plane’s difficulty in landing on aircraft carriers and high accident rate for inexperienced pilots.

9. Why was the F4U called “Whistling Death”? The high-pitched sound created by wind passing through the engine vents made a distinctive sound, earning it the nickname from the Japanese.

10. How many Corsairs are left? There are fewer than 30 Corsairs left in existence today, and only 10 to 15 are still flyable in the United States.

11. Did Corsairs fly off aircraft carriers? Yes, after initial difficulties, improvements in design and training allowed Corsairs to operate effectively from aircraft carriers starting in 1944.

12. What was the fastest F4U Corsair variant? The F4U-4 Corsair had a maximum speed of 446 mph (718 km/h).

13. What was the stall speed of the Corsair? The stall speed was approximately 89 mph, and the approach speed of between 95-100mph, when referenced to the speed of air.

14. Why was the Corsair called the “Ensign Killer”? The plane’s difficulty landing on carriers led to a high accident rate for inexperienced pilots, particularly new Ensigns.

15. Why didn’t the Navy use the P-51 Mustang? The Navy already had an excellent performer in the Corsair which was better suited to its requirements, thus, the P-51, which was not initially designed for aircraft carrier operation, wasn’t considered necessary.

Modern Corsair Gaming Inc. FAQ

1. Is Corsair a Chinese company? No, Corsair Gaming, Inc. is an American company based in California.

2. What does Corsair Gaming, Inc. specialize in? They are known for high-performance computer peripherals and hardware, including memory, power supplies, cases, and cooling solutions.

Conclusion

The F4U Corsair, although no longer soaring through the skies in active service, remains a powerful symbol of aviation history and ingenuity. Its combat legacy and unique design continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The modern Corsair Gaming, Inc. serves as a reminder of how a name can transcend time and industries, carrying forward a legacy of performance and power in the technology realm. Both embody unique, successful and powerful endeavors in their respective eras.