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Which is the oldest surviving flying Corsair?

Short answer

The Planes of Fame Air Museum's F4U-1A is considered the oldest flying Corsair in the world. It was built at Vought's Stratford, Connecticut plant, and the US Navy accepted it as BuNo 17799 on 31 August 1943. It returned to the air after a restoration lasting more than two years.

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

Which is the oldest surviving flying Corsair?
F4U at 2023 Oshkosh

An aircraft accepted in 1943

This Corsair came off Vought's plant in Stratford, Connecticut. It carried manufacturer's number 3884. The US Navy accepted it on 31 August 1943 with Bureau Number 17799. Delivery took place on 6 September of that same year. The museum that preserves it today likewise places its manufacture in Stratford. The aircraft served in the Pacific theater during World War II. On 31 August 1945 it was struck from the Navy's inventory.

From a film studio backlot to the collection

Around 1946, MGM Studios bought the aircraft for use in film productions. It ended up deteriorating on the studio's backlot. Edward T. Maloney acquired the aircraft, by then an abandoned wreck, in 1970. That same year the museum added it to its collection. Restoration work began in 1974. It was completed in 1975, in time for the television series Black Sheep Squadron.

Back in the air

The museum describes its F4U-1A as one of the oldest Corsairs still flying. After more than two years of restoration work, the aircraft completed its first post-restoration flight and returned to the museum's flying schedule. What is considered the oldest flying Corsair in the world debuted on that occasion a new rendering of the dark blue, light blue and white tricolor scheme.

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