Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
Goodyear · US · first flew 1943 · fighter
The FG-1D was Goodyear's licence-built equivalent of the Vought F4U-1D, produced to meet wartime demand and differing only in manufacturer's details and, on some batches, the absence of wing folding.
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:
- Goodyear-built to Vought F4U-1D specification — externally identical to the F4U-1D including three-blade prop and raised-seat -1A canopy
- 'G' prefix on Goodyear serial blocks, and 'FG' designation — the only external confirmation is manufacturer's markings
- Fixed wing (no folding) on some FG-1D batches — Goodyear omitted the wing fold on some production runs
Operationally and visually identical to the F4U-1D. Fixed-wing variants (no fold crease at mid-span) are the only field-observable difference. Manufacturers' plates and serial numbers confirm Goodyear origin. The inverted gull wing, R-2800 cowl, and three-blade prop are shared with the F4U-1D.
Specifications
- The Goodyear FG-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
4,014 FG-1Ds built by Goodyear Aircraft Corporation at Akron, Ohio. The Goodyear production line enabled far greater numbers than Vought alone could supply. They served alongside Vought-built Corsairs in every Pacific theatre.
Variants
FG-1 (equivalent to F4U-1), FG-1A, FG-1D (fighter-bomber). Some batches had fixed wings.
Where you'll see it
USN, USMC Pacific; Royal Navy FAA (many Goodyear Corsairs served under Lend-Lease). Many surviving airworthy 'Corsairs' are actually Goodyear FG-1Ds — the type is well-represented on the warbird circuit.
Related aircraft
- Goodyear F2G Corsair
- Goodyear Inflatoplane
- Arado Ar 440
- Brewster F3A-1 Corsair
- Brewster XA-32
- Curtiss P-40 N Warhawk
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