F4U-5NL Nite Corsair 1/32 Scale Model AF4U5NLT by Toys & Models

"In 1938, when the United States Navy (USN) published a requirement for a new carrier aircraft that could match the performance of the best land and carrier-based fighter planes, the result was the F4U Corsair. Designed by Rex Buren Beisel and manufactured by Chance Vought, it was made to carry the most powerful engine and largest diameter propeller ever built at that time. It took its maiden flight on May 1940, and although designed as a carrier fighter for the USN, concerns about its landing and visibility characteristics led it to be used initially by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which operated on land-based runways. In March 1943, the Marines introduced the aircraft to its debut combat. Eventually it was put into service with the USN in January 1944, after the British proved that it was able to operate safely from carriers. The plane was not slow to prove its fighting ability and succeeded in gunning down 2,140 enemy aircraft while losing only 189 F4U's during the Second World War. Consequently, 24 Corsair pilots became air aces. The Corsair was given the nicknames “The Sweetheart of the Marianas” and “The Angel of Okinawa” by allied ground forces. The Japanese troops dubbed it “Whistling Death” because of the sound that it made during dive-bombing or strafing runs. "

Wing Span: 15

Length: 12.5

AF4U5NLT