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FG-1D Corsair The Corsair had the distinctive "Gull Wing", which gave the prop enough clearance to keep it from hitting the deck. Operated primarily by the Marines from land bases, it took a long time to be certified for carrier flight ops due to the engines high torque, and poor forward visibility on take off. The wings are partly fabric to reduce weight. The Japanese referred to it as the "Whistling Death". American aircraft were "energy fighters", preferring the "boom and zoom" tactic to the turning fight. Their rugged construction made them too heavy to fight the Zero in the turn, which was a very light and nimble aircraft. This maneuverability advantage was achieved by the lack of armor plating and lightweight construction. Copyright © 1998-2026, by Albert Knapp and the 486th Bomb Group Association. |