What was the F2G "Super Corsair"?

Short answer

The F2G was a development of the Vought F4U Corsair fighter conceived as a low-altitude interceptor. Goodyear modified seven production Corsair airframes to take advantage of the Pratt & Whitney R-4360's 50% extra takeoff power. Only ten aircraft were completed before production was cancelled.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

F4U at 2023 Oshkosh

A Corsair redesigned around the R-4360

A fighter like this was first conceived in 1939, when Pratt & Whitney proposed the immense 3,000 hp (2,200 kW) R-4360. Design work began in early 1944. Goodyear modified seven production Corsair airframes to take advantage of the 50% increase in takeoff power provided by the Pratt & Whitney R-4360. The F2G was fitted with that 28-cylinder, four-row, air-cooled radial. The Wasp Major was capable of delivering 3,000 hp.

Low-altitude interceptor

The F2G was conceived as a low-altitude interceptor. It needed to be fast enough to intercept Japanese kamikaze aircraft at a safer distance from the carriers. The height of the vertical stabilizer was increased by 12 inches and an auxiliary rudder was added to counter engine torque. The F2G's climb rate rose to 7,000 feet per minute, double that of a standard Corsair.

The program stops at ten aircraft

Post-production trials revealed deficiencies in lateral control and insufficient speed, obstacles to continued development. Before the F2G could enter full production, it became clear the war was nearing its end. By the end of the war in August 1945, only ten aircraft had been completed, five examples of each variant, and the rest of the production run was cancelled.