Vought XF4U-4 "Corsair" Is On The Move!

On December 21st, 2021 the Museum restoration team moved the Vought XF4U-4 "Corsair" from the military hangar to into the hangar with our B-29 "Superfortress". A premier World War II carrier-based and ground support fighter of the U.S. Navy and Marines, the “Corsair” combined the most powerful engine of the period with the smallest possible airframe. Corsairs were produced by the Vought Aircraft Division of United Aircraft in Stratford, CT. The first prototype was flown on May 29, 1940. In an early trial it flew a speed course from Stratford to Hartford at 405 mph. Corsairs saw service in the war with Japan and through the Korean conflict, and also served in reserve and foreign air forces into the 1970's. The unique gull-wing design helped strengthen the landing gear and provided clearance for a 13-foot, four-bladed propeller. This example is a pre-production prototype, the third of 2,356 F4U-4's built. It was used in armament tests and stored until it joined the Museum's collection. On May 17, 2005, the F4U was named the official aircraft of the State of Connecticut. Approximately 12,500 Corsairs were designed and built by Connecticut workers at Hamilton Standard, Pratt & Whitney, and Vought Aircraft.