This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:50 pm
I was told there was a natural metal USN Corsair in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. Anyone have pictures or info? My 13 year old is anxious to see it!
Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:08 am
I don't have any pics of it on hand, but the plane you're referring to is most likely the F4U-1A belonging to Service Squadron 11 which was based at Espiritu Santos (Vanuatu). It ws basically a squadron "hack" aircraft that squadron engineers had built up out of major components from various wrecked Corsairs. It was overall bare metal with the name "Sally" written on the cowling. It carried the code 'SS11' just forward of the standard star & bar, where the standard three-digit buzz number would usually be found.
Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:46 pm
Hi,
The only Corsair in natural metal or silver that i see was on the RNZAF for training.
Pic on the Ajpress book.
SPang
Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:52 pm
Hi--
Knew this sounded familiar; found a pic in O'Leary's USN Fighters book. Nice starboard rear 3/4 view showing "SS11" and the name on the nose, also a black (?) antiglare panel forward of the cockpit. Text indicates "Sally" was actually painted Aluminum rather than being bare metal, and the pic does indeed look that way...the airframe is less reflective than it should be if bare metal. Text also says the same Corsair, a composite airframe built up by Service Sqn 11, was later refinished in Sea Blue, with a fictitious BuNo!
S.
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