Vought Corsair F4-U, NZ 5451 to NZ 5487, 1944 to 1949, part 6

Design:
Ivor Sikorsky and Rex Beisel

Company:
Chance Vought
Sikorsky Division of United Aircraft Corp
Brewster
Goodyear

Wing Span:
40 ft 11.3/4 in 12.49 M

Wing Area:
314 sq ft

Length:
33 ft 4.1/2 in 10.17 M

Height:
14 ft 9.1/4 in 4.50 M

Ceiling:
36,900 ft 11,242 M

Speed at 19,900 ft
417 MPH 671 KPH

Range:
1,015 Miles 1,633 Km

T/O Weight:
11,093 lbs 5,032 Kg

Empty Weight:
8,873 lbs 4,025 Kg

Crew:
1 Pilot

Role:
Fighter
Fighter / Bomber

Total Manufactured:
12,571 All Marks

First Flight:
29 May 1940

Entered Service:
July 1942

Armament:
6 x .5 in machine Guns in wings
Up To 2,000 Lbs Under Wings
8 HVA Rockets on wing racks

Qty Served:
424

Years Served:
1944 to 1949

Tail Nos:

F4U – 1A
NZ 5201 to NZ 5396
NZ 5461 to NZ 5463
NZ 5465
NZ 5487
NZ 5501 to NZ 5536

F4U – 1D
NZ 5397 to NZ 5460
NZ 5464
NZ 5466 to NZ 5486
NZ 5537 to NZ 5577

FG – 1D
NZ 5601 to NZ 5660

The distinctive shape of the 'Inverted Gull Wings' was required to enable as big as possible 3 bladed propellor to use the power of the engine, and keep the Undercarriage as short and strong as possible, required for carrier operations

ENGINE

Image Source

Type:
Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp R 2800 - 8
18 cylinder, twin row, air cooled, radial, supercharged

Horse Power:
2,000 HP

Bore:
5.75 in 146.5 mm

Stroke:
6.0 in 152.4 mm

Volume:
2,804 Cu in 45.96 L

Max RPM:
2,800 HP

Fuel:
100/130 Octane

Length:
81.4 in 2.068 mm

Diameter:
52.8 in 1,342 mm

Weight:
2,360 lb

Power to Weight Ratio:
0.89 hp/lb 1.46 KW/Kg
Production Started:
1937

Production 1939 – 1960
125,334

NZ 52** to NZ54** Were Assembled at Espiritu Santo
NZ 55** Were Assembled in New Zealand
NZ 56** Were Assembled at Los Negros
FG-1A FG were Goodyear Type Corsairs

WARB = War Articles Restitution Board
LAC = Leading Aircraft Man
Sqn = Squadron
F O T U = Fighter Operational Training Unit
C F S = Central Flying School
HMS = Her Majesty’s Ship
B O C U = British Occupation Force Unit
ATC = Air Training Corp.
Inst = Non-Flying Instructional Airframe
CCU NZ= Corsair Conversion Unit in N Z
T/O = Take Off
U/C = Undercarriage [Wheels]
Hyd = Hydraulic
C F E = Central Fighters Establishment

The organization of the RNZAF in the Pacific war was,
The pilots and a small staff belonged to a Sqn. [Max strength of pilots was 27.]

The Sqn’s were assigned to Servicing Units which carried out
aircraft maintenance and operated from fixed locations.

In all, there were 10 front line Servicing Units, plus 3 based in NZ.

Because each Servicing Unit painted its aircraft with distinctive markings
and the aircraft themselves could be repainted several different colour schemes
the RNZAF Corsairs were far less uniform in appearance
compared with their American and Fleet Air Arm contemporaries.

By late 1944 the Corsair had equipped all 10 Pacific based fighter Sqns of the RNZAF.

When the Corsairs arrived there were virtually no Japanese aircraft left
in N Z’s allocated sectors of the South Pacific.

They were primarily used for close support of American, Australian, and NZ soldiers
fighting the Japanese.

At the end of 1945, all but No.14 Fighter Sqn were disbanded.

NZ 5451

Constructors No.: 5699
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50452
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espititu Santo Sep 1944
To 23 Sqn 30 Sept 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
Hit by Japanese flak, crashed into the sea about 40 miles from Emirau 25 Dec 1944
S/L J Killan bailed out rescued uninjured

NZ 5452

Constructors No.: 6285
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57462
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 4 Feb 1945
To 14 Sqn Jul 1945
To 24 Sqn 27 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold fron Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5453

Constructors No.: 6323
Mark F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57500
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 53
At Espiritu Santu Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 53
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 10 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn May 1945
To 14 Sqn Jul 1945
To 24 Sqn 27 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5454

Constructors No.: 6031
Mark F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57478
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
Swung off runway and crashed while taking off from Bougainville 2 Dec 1944
P/O W Moyes uninjured

NZ 5455

Constructors No.: 6277
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57454
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 30 Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 9 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 24 Sqn 27 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5456

Constructors No.: 6295
Mark F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57472
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sept 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 29 Sept 1944
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5457

Constructors No.: 6286
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.; Bu 57463
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sept 1944
Code letter/No. 57
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
Named Patricia Mary
Tp 16 Sqn 15 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5458

Constructors No.: 6270
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57447
Shipped on USS R C Stoner to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sept 1944
Code letter 58
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 23 Sqn 4 Oct 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 27 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5459

Constructors No.: 5661
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50414
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sept 1944
Code letter/No. 459
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn May 1945
After releasing its bomb load the A/C entered a diving turn
Crashed into the sea and exploded, near Bonis Peninsula 1130 on 31 May 1945
P/O Peter Moore killed

NZ 5460

Constructors No.: 5628
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50381
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
Lost hydraulic power on a test flight from Torokina, U/C failed to lower
Pilot bailed out and the A/C crashed into the sea 13 Feb 1945
P/O D Gee rescued uninjured

NZ 5461

Constructors No.: 5570
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50323
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 22 Sqn 22 Dec 1944
To 19 Sqn Feb 1945
Engine failure on a training flight, ditched off Pallikulo Point 15 Feb 1945
F/O J Callaghan rescued uninjured

NZ 5462

Constructors No.: 5562
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50315
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 62
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 21 Sqn 18 Dec 1944
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhai
To J Larsen Palmerston North

NZ 5463

Constructors No.: 5555
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50308
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 463
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn 7 Jan 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5464

Constructors No.: 5685
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50439
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 13 Oct 1944
Disappeared while returning from a strike on Northern Bougainville 3 Dec 1944
F/S Floyd Cousins missing presumed killed

NZ 5465

Constructors No.: 5405
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50158
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 65
At Espiritu Santo Oct-Dec 1944
To 17 Sqn 15 Jan 1945
Badly damaged, repaired and returned to service 17 Feb 1945
To 16 Sqn 27 Apr 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5466

Constructors No.: 5651
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50404
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 17 Nov 1944
To 20 Sqn Mar 1945
Caught in slipstream of preceding A/C while landing
At Piva U 21 Mar 1945
Written off

NZ 5467

Constructors No.: 5669
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50422
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 23 Sqn Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5468

Constructors No.: 5658
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No: Bu 50411
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 2 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 468
At Espitiru Santo Sep 1944
To 20 Sqn 5 Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 20 Sqn Aug 1945
Hit by Japanese flak, ditched into sea near Warangoi 9 Aug 1945
F/S L Turner rescued uninjured

NZ 5469

Constructors No.: 6094
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57271
Shipped on USS Shipley Bay to Guadalcanal
B O C Guadalcanal 14 Sep 1944
To Bougainville as reserve A/C 30 Dec 1944
Damaged in wheels-up landing on Piva U Jan 1945
Repaired and returned to service
Ferried to N Z departing Espiritu Santo 2 Nov 1945
Arriving Rukuhia 5 Nov 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5470

Constructors No.: 6251
Mark F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57428
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkey to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve aircraft Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 18 Jan 1945
To 16 Sqn 21 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn 7 Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB Tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5471

Constructors No.: 6316
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57493
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 471
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 20 Sqn Jan 1945
Last operation from Jacquinot Bay 18 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z departing from Espiritu Santo 2 Nov 1945
Arriving at Rukuhia 5 Nov 1945
Advertised for sale WARB Tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5472

Constructors No.: 6290
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No Bu 57467
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sept 1944
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 14 Sqn 13 Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn Feb 1945
Hit by flak, crashed on landing at Green Island 17 Feb 1945
P/O W Peterson uninjured

NZ 5473

Constructors No.: 6269
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57446
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1945
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn Jan 1945
To 14 Sqn 14 Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn Apr 1945
Hit by flak during bombing run, crashed near Munguai 11 Apr 1945
F/S William Crosby killed

NZ 5474

Constructors No.: 6268
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57445
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
Code letter. No. 74
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To 22 Sqn 28 Dec 1944
To 24 Sqn 18 Jan 1945
To 14 Sqn 22 Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 15 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5475

Constructors No.: 6253
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57430
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Oct 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 18 Jan 1945
To 16 Sqn 20 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn 7 Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5476

Constructors No.: 6266
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57443
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 15 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5477

Construction No.: 6292
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57469
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 477
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 22 Sqn 16 Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB Tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5478

Constructors No.: 6275
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57452
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 478
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
Forward fuselage badly damaged in explosion 4 Dec 1944
Repaired using forward fuselage from N Z 5386
To Bougainville as reserve A/C Mar 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB Tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5479

Constructors No.: 6362
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57539
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 30 Dec 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 22 Sqn 29 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5480

Construction No.: 6372
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57549
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 22 Sqn 15 Feb 1945
Damaged 14 May 1945
Returned to service Jun 1945
To 25 Sqn Jun 1945
Hit by flak on bombing run, presumed to have crashed into the sea
At Panapai Gap near Kavieng 0915 on 20 Jun 1945
F/S Roger Goble killed

NZ 5481

Constructors No.: 6280
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.:` Bu 57457
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 5 Jan 1945
To 21 Sqn 24 Jan 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5482

Constructors No.: 6282
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57459
Shipped on USS Castle Pinkney to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 16 Sep 1944
Code letter/No. 82
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 28 Dec 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn 18 Feb 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 15 Sep 1945
Crashed landing in a strong cross wind at Piva U
Following a ferry flight from Jacquinot Bay 15 Sep 1945
Written off
F/S L Wiig seriously burnt

NZ 5483

Construction No.: 5796
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50549
Shipped on USS John Mc Millen to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 20 Sep 1944
At Espiritu Santo Nov 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn 18 Feb 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 4 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5484

Constructors No.: 6302
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57479
Shipped on USS Smokey Hill to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 30 Oct 1944
At Espiritu Santo Dec 1944
To 22 Sqn 25 Dec 1944
To Guadalcanal as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To Bougainville as reserve A/C Jan 1945
To 20 Sqn 21 Feb 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB Tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5485

Constructors No 6296
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57473
Shipped on USS Smokey Hill to Espiritu Santo
B OC Unit 60 30 Oct 1944
Code letter/No. 458
At Espiritu Santo Dec 1944
To 16 Sqn 4 May 1945
Named Kohimarama IX
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
to J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5486

Construction No.: 6293
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57470
Shipped on USS Smokey Hill to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 30 Oct 1944
Test flown 19 Dec 1944
Espiritu Santo Dec 1944
To 16 Sqn 27 Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5487

Constructors No.: 5291
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 50044
Shipped on USS Pan American to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Feb 1945
At Espiritu Santo Feb 1945
To 16 Sqn 27 Apr1945
To 23 Sqn Sep 1945
U/C failed to lower, belly landing at Piva U 6 Sep 1945
Written off
F/L F Adeane uninjured

Unsourced photos through the Ohakea Museum

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Part2

Part3

Part4

Part5

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner