The F4U-1 Corsair® was a truly unique aircraft, with a powerful 2,000hp engine and a massive 4m propeller, not to mention the highly characteristic inverted gull-wings. In October of 1940, it was the first American fighter to achieve a speed of 400mph (around 640kph). Initial production models of the aircraft featured a striking canopy called the "Birdcage". The aircraft took part in operations from February 1943, and with its powerful 12.7mm machine guns proved to be a formidable opponent for the Japanese Zero Fighters.
In order to capture the aircraft as accurately as possible, Tamiya designers not only inspected, measured and examined the real aircraft at five different museums across North America, they were also given access to Northrop-Grumman's blueprints. The result is a highly detailed and precise 1/32 scale model of the F4U-1 Corsair.