Initial difficulties and later history

     The Corsair's service and production life are unrivalled,except perhaps by the F-4 Phantom,but
this disguises the fact that it did not have an easy start.
     Prototype XF4U-1 fist flew on 29 May 1940 and the fist production aircraft left the assembly line
on 25 June 1942.The US Navy initially rejected the aircraft because it was (and would remain) an unforgiving plane to fly.The aft positioned of the cockpit considerable impaired visibility during landing,which was uncomfortable at the best of times.The gull wing design and torque of the large engines gave the F4U a tendency to get into a curve that was difficult to control as it left the flight deck.Landing accidents mounted and the Corsair proved a nightmare for inexperienced pilots.In order to improve the aircraft's flying characteristics,the two airlerons were eventually increased in size.The type eventually entered service with US Navy in February 1943 and quickly won air superiority above the pacific.The Corsair.