USAAF F4U

[KJ_Lesnick]

While I'm not 100% certain here, I do remember reading something to the effect that General Henry H. Arnold thought very positively of the F4U because of it's high speed and long-range and had contemplated purchasing some of them

1. Is this true?

2. If it is: Why didn't he?

[maxmwill]

Was this before or after the Navy found out that their new fighter as an ensign eater?

[sandiego89]

Was this before or after the Navy found out that their new fighter as an ensign eater?

But perhaps not so much an issue as the question presumably revolves around ground basing with the US Army.  The problems were almost all related to slow speed carrier ops.  While the early Corsair did have serious problems getting aboard the carrier (wicked stall, poor visibilty, bouncy), I think you will find they did quite well while land based, and later aboard carriers after the problems were worked out.

I have no idea how far the thinking got, but would have been quite similair to the P-47 in capability/performance.  A rugged radial with good speed, range and load carrying would be welcome in any service.     

[Captain Canada]

Would look beauty in green.....and then all aluminium as a bomber escort !

[zenrat]

Someone posted a "land" camo Corsair (would the non naval version be called, depending on the nation,  Bushranger, Highwayman or Outlaw?) recently.  Can't remember which thread.  Possibly one of the "whiffs I have found" ones.
NMF sounds good.  Now I have a reason to buy one.

[The Rat]

...and then all aluminium as a bomber escort !

With a red tail, Tuskegee Airmen!  

HOT DAMN I JUST GOT INSPIRED!  

[perttime]

Someone posted a "land" camo Corsair ...

I'm sure I've seen some South American jungle camo Corsair. Real or whatif?

[Alvis 3.14159]

I did a USAAF Corsair in NMF, and it didn't look "right" to me, but with a red tail, yeah, that'd be something awesome!




Alvis Pi

[Alvis 3.14159]

As for why they didn't get it, I would have to assume the copious amounts of P-47s and P-51s coming down the pipeline were sufficient to satisfy the needs of the USAAF at that point. Now, had either one not been suitable, then the door might have been open for the Corsair then.

It would have made sense, almost, to have the Corsair as a Pacific aircraft, saving the P-47s and Mustangs for Europe, and keeping the supply chain simpler, but that would involve the USN and Army cooperating. 


Alvis Pi

[Captain Canada]

Makes sense on all counts Alvis.

[kerick]

Would Vought have had the production capability?
Goodyear would have had to really ramp up to supply Army Navy and marines.

[Mossie]

I did one about six years ago, RAF lend-lease.  Basic premise was that the USN found it difficult to operate and Chance Vought offered it as a P-47 alternative.  Remove the wing folding and you can install self-sealing tanks in the outer wings, remove a few of the naval mods and you've got a good performer on your hands.
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,21711.0/highlight,outlaw.html



And did a minor refurb:
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,27977.0.html

[PR19_Kit]

Are you SURE that's a Whiff Mossie? It looks far too real to me. 

[Dizzyfugu]

The "whitewash option" looks VERY nice! 

Could be a nice GB topic - we might need one for 2015? 

[Mossie]

Cheers guys!  Not a well finished as Alvis's, that's a beauty!

Good to know that there's some real-world basis for it, always thought it made sense as a land based fighter in the P-47 mould.