Vought F4U-1D Corsair
Vought · US · first flew 1944 · fighter
The F4U-1D was the fighter-bomber conversion of the Corsair, adding wing hardpoints for bombs and drop tanks while retaining the -1A's improved cockpit, and serving as the primary close-support Corsair in the Pacific island-hopping campaign.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.16 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two wing pylons for bombs or drop tanks — the 'D' suffix denotes the fighter-bomber configuration
- Modified F4U-1A canopy (raised seat, improved vision) retained — not yet the full bubble of the -4
- R-2800-8W engine with water injection; pylons visible under the outer wing panels
Wing bomb pylons are the defining feature over the basic -1 and -1A — look for the pylon fairings under the outer wing section. The canopy is the raised-seat -1A style with smaller windows, not the full bubble of the -4. The gull-wing crank angle and R-2800 cowl are otherwise identical across the -1 family.
Specifications
- The Vought F4U-1D Corsair has a length of 10.16 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.49 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 684 km/h (425 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
1,685 F4U-1Ds built by Vought, with further 'D' variants from Goodyear (FG-1D) and Brewster. The type was used in Okinawa operations and the Philippines, typically carrying a 1,000 lb bomb under the centreline and two 154-US gal drop tanks.
Variants
The Goodyear-built equivalent is the FG-1D (see separate entry). Effectively the same aircraft from different manufacturers.
Where you'll see it
USMC, USN carrier squadrons Pacific 1944-45; Royal Navy FAA. The 1D configuration is among the most common for surviving/flying Corsairs.
Related aircraft
- Vought F4U-4 Corsair
- Vought F4U-1A/D Corsair (Late)
- Vought F4U-5 Corsair
- Vought F6U Pirate
- Arado E.580
- Bell XP-77
- Blohm & Voss BV 155
- Curtiss SC Seahawk
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