Tern,
Actually F8F never fired a shot in USN markings. But it did see heavy combat in
Indo China and Veitnam with the French.
Also It was never a top end speed deamon while in service either. Production models never really exceeded the 450mph barrier due to the PW-R2800 critical altitude being around 20k to 25k. The real speed burners were the high alt and thin air supercharged engines I.E. P-47M, P-51H, TA-152 types.
Daryl Greenamyers modified Rare Bare did set a world speed record for props at 500+mph in 1969 however. There was also a limited number
of F4U-3 with a supercharged engine that could obtain 480MPH at 42K. But the need for a super high alt interceptor was not need in favor of the F4U-4.
Thanks F4UDOA
King of all F4U trivia
