What top speed was the F2G Super Corsair rated for?

Short answer

The F2G's top speed was 431 mph (694 km/h; 374 kn) at 16,400 ft (5,000 m). It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-4360-4 Wasp Major, a 28-cylinder radial in four rows delivering 3,000 hp (2,200 kW). Post-production tests revealed poor lateral control and insufficient speed.

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

What top speed was the F2G Super Corsair rated for?

F4U at 2023 Oshkosh

A fighter built around the R-4360

A year later, development of a high-performance variant was ordered, given the designation F2G. That designation indicated it was considered essentially a different aircraft. The new aircraft was built around the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major, capable of delivering 3,000 hp. It was an air-cooled 28-cylinder radial arranged in four rows. The version installed was the R-4360-4 "Wasp Major", rated at 3,000 hp (2,200 kW). With that engine the fighter could intercept Japanese kamikaze aircraft at a safer distance from the carriers.

The performance figures

Top speed was set at 431 mph (694 km/h; 374 kn) at 16,400 ft (5,000 m). Climb rate was 7,000 ft/min (35.6 m/s).

Why the design didn't go forward

Tests carried out after production began revealed deficiencies in lateral control. It was also found that the speed was insufficient. Both problems were an obstacle to continuing development of the design.