Hobby Master Archive

The Vought F4U Corsair was literally built around the Pratt & Whitney 2,000 HP radial engine. The engine was so massive and produced so much energy that a Hamilton Standard 13 feet 4 inch propeller, the largest of WWII, was required. The F4U was the first American fighter aircraft to exceed 400 MPH. The Corsair was referred to by the Japanese as “Whispering Death” and became a legend in its own time. This aircraft was one of the most distinctive designs with it bent wings making it an icon.

Born Ira Cassius Kepford he joined the USN Reserve in August 1941 and was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in April 1942. On November 5, 1942 Kepford earned his wings and commission as Ensign, USNR. In January 1943 he was assigned to the Fighting Squadron 17 the famous “Jolly Rogers,” until March 1944. He then transferred to the VF-84 until December 1944 when he once more transferred, this time to the staff of Commander Fleet Air, West Coast. In May, 1945 he was promoted to Lieutenant and left active duty on November 7, 1945 to return to the USNR. When he retired in June 1956 he was a Lieutenant Commander. Flying his F4U-1 Corsair Kepford became an Ace with 16 confirmed victories and 1 unconfirmed.

Specifications for the Vought F4U-1A Total Aircraft Manufactured - 12,571 of 24 variants Manufactured By - Vought and under license by Goodyear and Brewster Crew - 1 pilot Dimensions Length - 33 ft 4in (10.1 m) Wingspan - 41 ft 0 in (12.5 m) Height - 16 ft 1 in (4.9 m)

Performance Powerplant - 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-8W radial engine producing 2,250 HP (1,678 kW) Maximum Speed - 425 mph (369 kn / 684 kph) Service Ceiling - 36,900 ft (11,200 m) Rate of Climb - 3,180 ft/min (16.2 m/s) Range - 1,015 mi (882 nm / 1,633 km)

Weight Empty - 8,982 lb (4,073 kg) Loaded - 14,000 lb (6,300 kg)

Armament Guns 6 x 0.50 in (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning Machine guns with 400 rounds per gun for 4 and 375 rounds per gun for two. Rockets - 4 x 5 in. (12.7 cm) High Velocity Aircraft Rockets And/or Bombs - 2,000 lbs. (910 kg)

1/48 scale pre-finished. Straight wing section can be removed and replaced with a section that makes it look like the wings are folded, no hinges. Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Canopy slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Option to easily remove the landing gear and cover the openings with doors. Extremely sought after by collectors.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA8201 F4U-1A Corsair “White 29” VF-17 “Jolly Rogers” Lt(JG). Ira C. Kepford

THIS SHOWS HOW THE WINGS GO FROM FOLDED TO EXTENDED