F4U-4

[1pLUs44]

Just curious, why is the F4U-4 perked? I know it's a good plane, but it's good at higher altitudes.

For MA enviroments (deck to 15k) IIRC, it's outperformed by many other non-perk planes in speed and climb. 190D, 109K4, P-51D, La-7 (I've been caught on the deck many a time by an La-7 in my F4U4 only to die).


I do like the F4U4, just don't honestly see a need for it to be perked in the MAs.

[fudgums]

Flown right, the F4u4 is the best plane in the game

[Saxman]

Y'know, this subject comes up every bit as often as complaints about the flaps....

To start, take all the good points of the other F4Us (excluding the cannon of the Charlie) and tack on about an extra 500HP, a four-bladed paddle prop and I believe a little bit less weight (especially as compared to the 1 and 1A, which carry two extra fuel tanks).

The fighters you mention may be able to run on or extend in a sustained climb on the deck, however with the exception of a VERY well-flown La-7 the F4U-4 will hand all of them their tulips in a close-quarters fight, and this is at all altitudes (assuming equal pilots). The F4U-4 will also zoom on each one of them except for MAYBE the K-4 if she's Co-E or better (equal E-states the 4-Hog will catch or lose the Dora, Pony and La-7 in the Zoom). Acceleration is vastly improved over the 1-series Hogs, as is level climb. Combine this with the fact that Corsairs already have among the best E-retention in the game. Rate of roll is superior to all with the possible exception of the Dora, and unlike the Dora and K-4 the F4U maintains almost total control at nearly all speeds until you begin to exceed 550 TAS (the German Iron starts to suffer control stiffness, especially elevator authority, well before then). Then of course there's der Uberflappen which really goes without saying.

The only flaw the 4-Hog has is range on internal fuel, but she doesn't suffer a drag penalty once you cut the DTs loose since the pylons are fixed so taking them along hardly needs a second thought.

[Lusche]

Actually the F4U4 is the 3rd fastest prop plane plane at sea level, only 2mph slower than the La-7 and 10mph slower than the Tempest. It beats the D9 by 2, the Typhoon by 8 and the 109K by 11 mph. With full flaps it can outturn even a La-7, but it has longer range with 2 DTS. Add to that a premium weapons package with ample ammo, very rugged, superb dive performance, very good zoom climb...

[Karnak]

And CV capable.


I think your question is pertinent to the Spitfire Mk XIV, which is a bit faster than earlier Spitfires but has horribly worse handling, but the F4U-4 has all the virtues of the earlier F4Us and more.

[SIK1]

And it's blue. 

[Saxman]

And has gull-wings.

[Rich46yo]

Its a monster. I had one at 20,000' the other day, purring along, sounding like my old Chrysler with the 440 big block at 100 mph on a road trip. No matter what its up against there is some way to fly the thing and beat the con.

This is a GREAT fighter plane!

[bobtom]

And it hauls ord.

[BnZs]

The La-7 should be no problem for the F4U-4 1v1, although I do realize standard procedure is for the La to catch and turn whatever is extending so the rest of the horde can descend on it.

Your argument is a good one for perking the La7 lightly, 3-5 points, not for unperking the all-around best plane in the game.

Just curious, why is the F4U-4 perked? I know it's a good plane, but it's good at higher altitudes.

For MA enviroments (deck to 15k) IIRC, it's outperformed by many other non-perk planes in speed and climb. 190D, 109K4, P-51D, La-7 (I've been caught on the deck many a time by an La-7 in my F4U4 only to die).


I do like the F4U4, just don't honestly see a need for it to be perked in the MAs.

[1pLUs44]

Please understand, I love the F4Us almost as much as the P39, but I just don't see any competition perking it. I'll fly it a good bit see how good I do in it with MA standards. Maybe I'll have a different opinion when I come back.

[B4Buster]

Turns good, amazing in a dive, will out-run a pony and out-climb a 38

[B4Buster]

The La-7 should be no problem for the F4U-4 1v1, although I do realize standard procedure is for the La to catch and turn whatever is extending so the rest of the horde can descend on it.

Hahah! that's so true 

[Spikes]

Please understand, I love the F4Us almost as much as the P39, but I just don't see any competition perking it. I'll fly it a good bit see how good I do in it with MA standards. Maybe I'll have a different opinion when I come back.

It's the best prop plane in the game, hands down.

[Widewing]

My experience with the F4U-4 tells me it is the best all-around fighter in the game.

453 mph @ 26k... 377 mph on the deck. Very good climb, stellar maneuverability throughout the speed range.

In a duel between a Tempest and an F4U-4, the Tempest can't win (given equal pilots). The La-7 is a tougher nut (yeah, the La-7 beats the Tempest as well). Urchin and I flew a series of duels comparing the F4U-4 to the La-7. On the deck, it's just about equal, with the Corsair gaining a very small edge if the La-7 pilot allows the fight to get too slow. Above 8k the La-7 is clearly outclassed. As good as the 109K-4 is, it's overmatched against the F4U-4. You would be better off in a 109G-2. P-51s are lunch meat for the F4U-4.

I've also flown a series of duels with one of the game's better pilots; FM-2 Vs F4U-4. Strictly a low-speed fight. F4U-4 wins that too. Didn't matter who flew what.

If I want the odds stacked in my favor no matter what the competition is, I'll take the F4U-4.

If it weren't perked, seeing another F4U type would be a rare occurrence.  


Merry Christmas All!

Widewing