The F4U Corsair first flew in 1940 and served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War with the U.S. Navy. It is easily recognizable for its inverted “gull wing.” This unique wing design allowed for a shorter landing gear, and allowed for the 13-foot prop to clear the ground. It also provided aerodynamic benefits for greater streamlining. Production ended in 1952 and was the longest production run for a U.S. fighter. A total of 12,571 were built and today very few remain air worthy and even less are flying at air shows.

The Erickson Aircraft Collection’s Corsair is one of the rarest surviving varients. It is one of the last 94 built in 1952 and it was exclusively for use by the French Navy. It saw combat in Indo-China War in 1953-54, the Suez Canal War in 1956, and the Algerian War. The Corsair’s service ended in 1963 and it was sent to England for reconstruction and restoration to its original French markings. Erickson Aircraft Collection obtained this aircraft in 1994 and repainted it with Marines’ colors in memory of Jesse Brown. Jesse Brown was a Naval Aviator and the first African-American killed in the Korean War.

Learn More: https://www.ericksoncollection.com/aircraft#/chance-vought-f4u-7-corsair/

Pilot Bio

David Reed, Warbird pilot for the Erickson Aircraft Collection, has over 15 years of experience restoring, flying and maintaining WWII and civil aircraft. David’s interest in aircraft began at a very young age, and he soon started honing his skills as a mechanic which led to restoration of aircraft as well.

David was recently chosen as one of the 20 Under 40 future leaders of the warbird industry. 20 Under 40 recognizes and promotes the achievements of the rising stars in Warbirds. David has flown many airshows for the collection and when not flying in airshows, his real job is a Restoration Mechanic for the Erickson Aircraft Collection.

David’s love of aircraft and especially warbirds led him to be a pilot for the Erickson Airshow Collection where he is currently type rated in the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, FM2 Wildcat, P-51 Mustang, SBD Dauntless,P-40 Kittyhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt and fly’s many other aircraft in the collection such as the very rare Bellanca Aircruiser, AT-6 Texan and PT-17 Stearman. David’s skills are shared across the United States and Canada where he flies in the annual airshow circuit as part of the Erickson Aircraft Collection, located in Madras, Oregon.