The Vought F4U Corsair
The Vought F4U Corsair

Author: Martin W. Bowman

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Published: 2019-12-27

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1526705907

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This fully illustrated history of the iconic American fighter plane examines its development and combat experience through WWII and beyond. First flown in 1940, the Vought F4U Corsair was the fastest fighter in the world and the fastest US aircraft of any description. Powered by a huge 18-cylinder Pratt and Whitney Double Wasp engine, the first Corsairs were capable of speeds up to 417 miles per hour. This figure would rise to nearly 450mph in later versions. The F4U entered service with the US Navy in September 1942 and over time was extensively used by the US Marines, Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Famous squadrons that flew these planes—like VMF-214 'The Black Sheep' and VF-17 'Jolly Rogers'—maintained their superiority over the Japanese for the rest of the war. After the Second World War the Corsair was used with distinction by the French in Indo-China and again by the US Navy in Korea. Since then, Corsairs have remained a favorite among warbird enthusiasts the world over. This comprehensive book examines the engineering of the Corsairs alongside a detailed history of their development and usage in combat. Illustrated with scores of rare and previously unpublished photographs, Vought F4U Corsair is the perfect book for any fan of the 'bent wing bird'.

The Smell of Kerosene
The Smell of Kerosene

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-28

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13:

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The Smell of Kerosene: A Test Pilot's Odyssey encapsulates the daring and the danger inherent in the uncharted territories of early space and aircraft testing. The collection stands as a testimonial to the evolution of aeronautics, narrating the exhilarating experiences of test pilots and their indispensable role in shaping modern aviation and space exploration. Through a compilation of memoirs, technical reports, and firsthand accounts, the anthology presents a rich tapestry of literary styles, from the methodical precision of technical writing to the deeply personal and reflective tales of peril and perseverance. This diversity underscores the anthology's broader theme - the human spirit's unyielding quest for knowledge and conquest of the skies. The contributors, primarily from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration alongside notable figures like Donald L. Mallick and Peter W. Merlin, bring a wealth of experience and insight. Their backgrounds, ranging from engineering and test piloting to aerospace history, provide a comprehensive overview of the historical and technological context of air and space exploration. Their collective narratives not only honor the legacy of the fields pioneers but also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of aeronautics, where science meets human daring. The Smell of Kerosene is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the interface between human ambition and technological progress. It offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the personal triumphs and challenges of those who have pushed the boundaries of what was technologically possible. This anthology serves not only as an educational resource but also as a source of inspiration, urging readers to contemplate the vastness of human achievement through the prism of aeronautics and space exploration. It invites a diverse audience, from academicians to enthusiasts, to dive into the depths of this pivotal era in aerospace history.

Corsair
Corsair

Author: Barrett Tillman

Publisher: Naval Institute Press

Published: 2014-01-15

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 1612515428

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This is the remarkable story of an airplane that became a legend--with a sleek silhouette and bent wings, it doubled as a day and night fighter, could fly off carriers or from land, and served both as a dive bomber and reconnaissance plane. Filled with facts and figures, this fast-paced history begins with the nerve-wracking test flights of the 1940s and concludes with the F4Us that were active thirty-eight years later. Placed skillfully in between are the stories that gave birth to the legend: the exploits of the aces, including the Medal of Honor recipient who shot down twenty-five enemy planes, and the details of the combat missions of Charles A. Lindbergh. During thirty months of combat in World War II with the U.S. Navy and Marines, the Corsair shot down more than two thousand Japanese planes. In Korea the U-bird, as it was called, was credited with ten aerial victories. A trip down memory lane for anyone who has followed the career of this Cadillac of the props, this new paperback edition of a book first published in hardcover in 1979 offers fine historical aviation reading that presents a riveting picture of the men and machine that helped win two wars.