The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing is a two-story gallery that highlights the stories of courage, dedication, heroism and the triumph of the human spirit of those involved in fighter aviation in World War I and World War II. The World War II exhibit includes displays of carrier-based airplanes.
General Motors FM-2 Wildcat
The Wildcat was designed by Grumman in 1939 and was America’s most capable naval fighter in the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway, and during the Guadalcanal campaign. It has a top speed of 332 mph, a cruising speed of 164 mph, a range of 900 miles, and a service ceiling of 34,700 feet.
Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
First flown in 1940, the Corsair didn’t qualify for carrier operations until 1944. According to the display:
“The Corsair’s unique inverted gull-wing allows for standard-length landing gear while still providing adequate ground clearance for the enormous 13-foot propeller. The wing meets the fuselage at a right angle, reduces drag and results in greater speed.”
The Corsair has a top speed of 417 mph, a cruising speed of 182 mph, a range of 1,600 miles, and a service ceiling of 36,900 feet.
More Airplane Photo Tours
Yanks Air Museum: World War II Fighters (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: World War II Bombers (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: P-38 Lightning (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Soviet Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: World War II American Fighters (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Some Naval Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Evergreen Aviation: World War II fighters (photo diary)
Stonehenge Air Museum: Military Airplanes (Photo Diary)
