Its gull-wing shape made it instantly recognizeable. Its characteristic sound while in an attack dive led the Japanese to call it "The Whistling Death." Combined with its high speed, agility and toughness, the Vought F4U Corsair was one of the finest fighters ever built. Originally thought to be too powerful to fly from a carrier, the Corsair weaved a path of destruction in battle after battle during WWII, totally outclassing the much-feared Zero. The last of the great piston-engine fighters, the Corsair went on to become an important component of the US naval air power during the Korean War. Even while it was being replaced by jet aircraft, pilots flying this tough warbird were credited with downing a few MiG-15 jet fighters.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USMC Chance-Vought F4U-1 Corsair fighter that was piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Donald L. Balch, who was attached to VMF-221, then deployed to Guadalcanal during 1943. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 6-inches

Release Date: June 2011

Historical Account: "Fighting Falcons" - Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) was a fighter squadron of the United States Marine Corps in World War II. During the war, they flew the Brewster Buffalo and after reconstitution in 1943, the venerable F4U Corsair. The squadron, also known as the Fighting Falcons, is most notable for its actions on June 4th, 1942 during the Battle of Midway, which resulted in 23 members of the squadron being awarded the Navy Cross for their actions in combat. VMF-221 ended WWII with 185 air to air victories, the second most of any Marine Fighting Squadron in the war.