Turboprop F4U Corsair in Vietnam

[Ed S]

Here is the project that I'm working on for the ARC What If Group build. 

Story:

After the Korean War, the Marines decided to keep their F4U Corsairs.  It had become clear to them that the new faster jets just couldn't get down in the weeds and do CAS like the slower props.  As the war in Vietnam grew during the 60's, the Corsairs were starting to show their age.  It was particularly difficult to get parts and keep the old radial engines running.  So by the mid 60's the Marines were looking at getting their Corsairs re-engined. When the first prototypes were being rebuilt with turboprops, it became obvious that more than just an engine change was needed.  As  result, the new Corsairs had new turboprops, new wings, new avionics, ejection seats and a number of other smaller changes.  Basically a new aircraft, they were designated A-8's in line with the new DOD system.

Here is what I'm starting with.  An old Frog 1/72 F4U.




Here is the first step in the change.  The wingtips and ailerons have been removed to make new longer wing tips.



Ed

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Here is the project that I'm working on for the ARC What If Group build. 

Story:

After the Korean War, the Marines decided to keep their F4U Corsairs.  It had become clear to them that the new faster jets just couldn't get down in the weeds and do CAS like the slower props.  As the war in Vietnam grew during the 60's, the Corsairs were starting to show their age.  It was particularly difficult to get parts and keep the old radial engines running.  So by the mid 60's the Marines were looking at getting their Corsairs re-engined. When the first prototypes were being rebuilt with turboprops, it became obvious that more than just an engine change was needed.  As  result, the new Corsairs had new turboprops, new wings, new avionics, ejection seats and a number of other smaller changes.  Basically a new aircraft, they were designated A-8's in line with the new DOD system.

Hi Ed,

Will this involve making the nose longer?  Or will you manage to make it all fit in the space provided?  Seeing the fuel tank section in the first image had me thinking you were adding length to it.  Either way this will be interesting to see when you have it done. 

Good Luck!

[PR19_Kit]

Ed,

Nice thinking. 

And if Piper could do it with the P-51, why not a Corsair too?

[puddingwrestler]

So will it still have the normal corsair radial engine nose or a reshaped cowling to accomodate the turboprop?

[noxioux]

So will it still have the normal corsair radial engine nose or a reshaped cowling to accomodate the turboprop?

Yes, Enquiring minds want to know!!!

[Joe C-P]

Just don't unbend those wings, or you'll ruin its looks.

I'm going to enjoy the result of this one. The Corsair was a favorite of mine even before "Baa Baa Black Sheep" came on the air.

[Sisko]

I had a similar idea for my hobbyboss corsair.

This should be good to watch

[jcf]

Interesting concept Ed.
One note on your backstory though, you may want to come up with a different reason for changing the engines as the R-2800 was in production until 1960 with over 125,000 engines constructed by that time. Spares would not be a problem in the early to mid-60s.

Jon

[John Howling Mouse]

Just don't unbend those wings, or you'll ruin its looks.

AACK!

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,4629.0/highlight,morsair.html

Great idea, Ed.  Looking forward to this one.

[Captain Canada]

Way cool...give us more update !

[Ed S]

Got the chance to do a little work on this one.  The holiday season keeps me busy. (Look at my avatar and you can see why.)  Anyway, this shows how the fuselage is coming along.  I cut off the original nose at the aft end of the cowl flaps.  Then added a piece from an old 1/48 fuel tank for the new nose. It will be slightly longer than the original.  Another old fuel tank piece became the engine intake.  Once the glue is cured up on this, I can put on some putty to blend the new nose to the old fuselage.  I expect this to take a fair amount of putty.  You can also see the hole in the fuselage for the engine exhaust.

Jon, thanks for the info on the engine.  I guess in this alternate time line, things didn't work that way.  (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  )



Ed

[Brian da Basher]

Very interesting modifications, Ed! I'm looking forward to watching this one come together!

Brian da Basher

[Rafael]

WOW!!!

A pointy-ended Corsair!!!! Now, this is the type of conversion I like!!! I'm going to sit very quietly up front and watch what magic you come up with, Ed.

Good luck with the Papa Noel (Santa) season!!!

I'm sure the grandchildren will have a blast again with grandpa

Rafa

[sotoolslinger]

That looks like it is going to be cool

[KiwiZac]

Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wicked! This shows a ton of promise, Ed! Looks like I came back into the fold just in time.... viva la turbowarbird!