Vought F4U-5NL Corsair

The Vought F4U Corsair was developed during the Second World War as a carrier-based fighter-bomber aircraft and entered service with the US Navy in 1944. It’s unique gull wing was a necessity to allow its large propellers to clear the ground, it also meant the aircraft could carry a relatively heavy ground attack payload for its period. Flown by both the Americans and British during the war, the Corsair found its fame flying with the US Marine Corps from austere island airfields in support of troops in combat. The type continued to serve with distinction during the Korean War where one was credited with shooting down a MiG-15 jet fighter. Over 12,500 Corsairs were eventually built and the final aircraft retired from service with the Honduran Air Force in 1979.

The F4U-5NL Corsair D-FCOR, known as Devotion and owned by Flying Legends GmbH is the last remaining airworthy Corsair to have flown in the Korean War where it served with the VMF512 “Flying Nightmares” of the US Marine Corps. Following its service with the USMC, the aircraft was sold to Argentina where it served in their navy prior to being displayed in a museum until 1991, it was then transported to France in 1994.

Corsair D-FCOR will be appearing on static display at this year’s Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Flying Legends