The Flare-Up: A Head-to-Head Comparison between the Vought F4U Corsair and the North American P-51 Mustang

During World War II, two of the most iconic and influential American fighter aircrafts came into existence: the Vought F4U Corsair and the North American P-51 Mustang. Both aircrafts played pivotal roles during the war, and while the P-51 Mustang was often celebrated as the best performing fighter of the war, the Vought F4U Corsair garnered its own set of proponents among Navy and Marine Corps aviators.

Background and Comparison Test

In late January and early February 1944, the U.S. Navy conducted a comparison test of the F4U Corsair and the P-51 Mustang at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland. Both aircrafts were newly deployed in larger numbers, and the war was still ongoing for both the Allies against Germany and Japan.

The U.S. Army Air Force pilots who flew the P-51 Mustang frequently claimed it was the best fighter of World War II, while U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators, who flew the F4U Corsair, argued that the Corsair was the superior fighter. However, the comparison test did not conclusively determine which aircraft was the better fighter. The debate continued between proponents of the P-51 Mustang and the F4U Corsair throughout the war.

Key Differences in Performance

Armament and Weight

One of the largest differences between the two aircrafts was their armament and weight. The F4U Corsair carried significantly more firepower with 86 more rounds of ammunition in its six .50 caliber machine guns compared to the P-51B Mustang. The Corsair could fire for 40 seconds continuously, while the Mustang had a smaller ammunition capacity.

The Corsair also weighed more at 12,162 lbs, while the Mustang weighed between 9,100 and 9,453 lbs. This significant weight difference likely impacted the Corsair's acceleration and climb rate compared to the lighter Mustang.

Visibility and Familiarity

Test pilots noted that the visibility over the nose of the P-51B Mustang was better, as the Corsair had a more pronounced nose-high attitude. The Navy and Marine Corps pilots were more familiar with the Corsair, while the Army Air Force pilots were more experienced with the Mustang. This familiarity likely influenced their perceptions of the aircraft's relative performance.

Speed and Maneuverability Comparisons

Speed

The top speed of the F4U Corsair variant was around 446 mph at 26,200 ft, while the P-51 Mustang was around 442 mph in level flight. In level flight, the Corsair was faster than the P-51B below 13,600 ft but slower between 16,000-24,000 ft and above. The difference in speed was never more than 15 mph.

Maneuverability

The Corsair outclassed the Mustang in maneuverability at all speeds due to superior roll turn and landing speed, thanks to its 10% lower wing loading. The Mustang matched the Corsair's maneuverability at high altitude, and its roll rates matched the Corsair at high speed. However, the Mustang was noted to be more stable and easier to fly, especially at carrier landing speeds, compared to the more challenging Corsair.

The test pilots found the Corsair to be superior in maneuverability and response, but the Mustang was more stable and easier for pilots to master. Both aircrafts were closely matched in many performance areas, making them equally formidable in battle.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. Navy's comparison test in 1944 found both the F4U Corsair and the P-51 Mustang to be capable, with proponents on both sides arguing for the merits of each aircraft. The debate over their relative strengths continued throughout the war, highlighting the unique strengths and weaknesses of each fighter. Both aircrafts played crucial roles in the Allied victory and remain significant in the history of military aviation.

For modelers and enthusiasts interested in these legendary aircrafts, resources from various sources and their detailed performance data can provide a deep dive into the American fighter aircrafts of World War II. From the quick and dirty guide to modeling the F4U Corsair to detailed comparisons like the dogfight between the P-51 Mustang and F-4U Corsair, each source offers valuable insights into these iconic aircrafts.

Related Articles:

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Modeling the F4U Corsair in 'Foreign' Service Mirage F1 in air combat - Aerges - ED Forums Mustang vs. Corsair – Which is the Better Fighter - Marc Liebman