The F4U Corsair was the first single seat fighter to exceed 400 MPH in 1940. Chance Vought’s new design would go on to be the best Marine Corps fighter of the Second World War. Named the ‘Bent Wing Bird’ by the American Navy and Marines, the Japanese had another name for it “Whistling Death’. The US Navy proceeded with carrier trials as early as 1942. However, visibility and landing characteristics delayed deployment until late 1944. The Marines loved their Corsairs because they were faster than the F6F Hellcat and able to carry heavier bomb loads. F4U’s were used extensively during the island hopping campaigns and amphibious landings. The most famous outfit flying the Corsair was VMF-214, the ‘Black Sheep’, commanded by Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington from the Solomon Islands. Numerous Medal of Honor recipients also flew the Corsair. The F4U in this lithograph is the Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-113, the “Whistling Devils”, while assigned to Engebi Island in 1944,. Also, this Corsair #56 “Sunsetter”, belongs to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and can be seen at the Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington, DC. Each print is signed by the artist, Doug Kinsley. Comes matted and shrink wrapped for safety. Size: 10.75" x 7"
