The Corsair
remained in continuous production from 1941 to 1952, numbering more than
12,000. The inverted gull wings were designed. in part, to extend the length
of landing gear needed to create the clearance for the 13'4" prop. The F4U
destroyed 2,140 enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat, and many more on the
ground. Many think this was the best piston engined fighter ever built.