Tamiya Plastic Model Kit
F4U-1/2 Bird Cage Corsair (1/48) 61046
The Chance Vought F4U Corsair, instantly recognisable for its inverted gull wings, was built around the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 2,000hp radial engine and designed to deliver exceptional speed and climb performance. First flown in May 1940, it was the fastest fighter in the world at the time, reaching speeds of 415mph and climbing at over 3,000 feet per minute. Its early carrier landing challenges led to initial deployment as a land-based fighter with the US Marine Corps, where it quickly proved its combat worth.
- 1/48 scale precision plastic model kit
- Accurately recreates the Bird Cage canopy version
- Detailed cockpit and engine components
- Includes optional radar dome for F4U-2 night fighter variant
- Authentic US Marine Corps and US Navy WWII markings
- Features finely moulded parts for realistic assembly
The F4U-2 variant emerged when the US Navy required a radar-equipped night fighter. With Vought busy on production, the Naval Aircraft Factory modified 34 Corsairs, adding a radar dome on the starboard wing and flame dampeners to the exhaust stacks. These aircraft pioneered US night fighting tactics in the Pacific theatre, proving instrumental in securing air superiority under low-light conditions. The Bird Cage Corsair remains an iconic symbol of WWII aviation engineering and innovation.
