For Sale: 1942 FG-1D Corsair – Bring $2,5 Million!

The Corsair was manufactured by Goodyear in 1942 under license from Vought in Akron, Ohio. It was initially to be used as a carrier-based aircraft, but it had significant landing problems with its “birdcage” style canopy. This limited the visibility for taxiing on deck. Also, the plane could bounce on landing which sometimes caused it to lose control or miss the hook and crash into barriers.

Even with these early problems, demand was high for the aircraft and Vought outsourced to both Goodyear and Brewster. To differentiate between the two, aircraft built by Goodyear were called FG and aircraft built by Brewster were named F3A.

This plane was multifunctional in use. It was both a great Dogfighter, as well as providing ground support. Until the landing problems were fixed, the US Marines used the plane on a land-based role only. Once the problems were fixed, it became one of the most capable carrier-based fighter-bombers of the war.

Corsairs were used extensively in a fighter-bomber capacity in the Central Pacific and the Philippines. At the beginning of 1944, the limits of the Corsair were being tested. Charles Lindbergh, in conjunction with the Marines, flew Corsairs as a civilian technical advisor. His job was to investigate how to increase the Corsair’s payload and range in an attack role. Marines were also testing the aircraft’s capabilities in a support role during amphibious landings.

The plane was known for its huge and noisy radial engine.

Goodyear_FG_1_Corsair
Goodyear FG-1 Corsair NX83JC / 67089/555 (c/n 67089) Sky Boss in the markings of VF-53, in the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, New York on Long Island. © Ad Meskens 

The 2 seater Corsair for sale at controller.com and has the following specifications:

  • Only 2, 942 hours total time on the airframe
  • Pratt & Whitney R-2800, 2,325 hp s/n FP206410
  • Installed 1994 with 696.4 hours since overhaul
  • Max.Speed: 450 mph
  • Combat Radius: 600 nm
  • Max. Takeoff: 12,000 lbs.
  • Length: 33′ , Wingspan: 41′, Height: 14′ 8″
  • 2 Seats
  • Registration #N83JC
  • Serial number 67089

For Sale Price: USD $2,495,000

The Corsair in WWII

Ww2_157
A Corsair fires its rockets at a Japanese stronghold on Okinawa
Early F4U-1s of VF-17
Early F4U-1s of VF-17

 

F4U-2s aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11). The radome on the starboard outer wing is just visible.
F4U-2s aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11). The radome on the starboard outer wing is just visible.

 

Video

While watching this video listen out for the whistling noise it makes in a high-speed dive. This should give you a clue as to its nickname. The Japanese had another name for the Corsair, The Whistling Death Boy.

 

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint