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Ah gosh, but can you strike that last sentence. Many F6s came back looking like Hell. They could take it, too. In fact, they could take more punishment than the F8, I'll say. Can we call the F8 the P-51? I'm just not comfortable with that on the F6. And that P-51 isn't coming back home after getting hit like some of the F6s did.Sat in the cockpit of a Corsair once. On the ground, in a hangar, downright claustrophobic. The idea of taxiing and taking off in that beast, never mind low altitude formation acrobatics, was terrifying, the visibility was so limited. Local airport manager in my childhood days had been a production test pilot for Chance Vought in War ll, and he said it was a clunky handler on the ground but a great flier. He also said control harmony deteriorated at less than combat speeds, making carrier landings challenging. (As if the lousy forward visibility wasn't enough challenge!) That's why they gave the first ones to the Marines for island ops. But they sure could carry a load. And catch a Zero. And make it home even with pieces missing. The Hellcat was the Navy's Mustang; the Corsair was itsitsp Thunderbolt.
I agree the F6F was a tough bird, but so was the P-51 if you didn't hit the coolant system. I don't see either of them as being in the Corsair/Thunderbolt class when it comes to battle damage. The F8F doesn't count; it was of the post-war generation. But what do we know? We weren't there so all we have is opinions based on what we've read, the photos we've seen, the statistics we've studied, and the stories we've heard from those who WERE there. IMHO a battle-damaged F6F that's pushed over the side due to uneconomical repair, or comes apart in the arresting gear (as they occasionally did) is not the equivalent of an equally damaged Corsair or Thunderbolt that gets patched up and returned to combat. IAC, let's hear it for MR. PRATT and MR. WHITNEY! R2800 - My nomination for THE engine of the war.Ah gosh, but can you strike that last sentence. Many F6s came back looking like Hell. They could take it, too. In fact, they could take more punishment than the F8, I'll say. Can we call the F8 the P-51? I'm just not comfortable with that on the F6. And that P-51 isn't coming back home after getting hit like some of the F6s did.
let's hear it for MR. PRATT and MR. WHITNEY! R2800 - My nomination for THE engine of the war.
Bring 'em on!A strong contender for sure. But I think Mr. Merlin might have something to say about that. Not to mention Heir Daimler-Benz
BINGO! Safer, too.Maybe it is easier to do a good looking display due to better visibility for the pilot.
Don't let Darren know I posted that.BINGO!