Gents,
Here is some info from the Vought website on production numbers.
http://www.vought.com/y40-50/prod_40/ww2_f4u/quant_f4u/quant_f4u.html There is a mention of specific combat record of a F4U-4C on this website, I just need to find it.
bolillo_loco,
The answer to your question is that they were produced simultaniously. I even have a book by Veronico Campbell that shows record of Goodyear production C-hog's designated FG-1E. I think they were more common than most people think. The Navy decided to move toward the 20Mil cannon in 1944 and from there forward even the late model TBM Avenger dive bombers had a 20Mil varient( I have seen them but I do not have a designation).
As far as the turning capability of a F4U-4 it was roughly the same as a F4U-1D being only 500lbs heavier fully loaded. The spoiler strip you mention was introduced very early in the F4U production of the -1A.
It's actual effect was lower the Max Cl from 2.33 to 1.88. Which was actually a retrofit not a production designation. There really was no such thing as a -1A production designation. Other mods for the 1A included a raised bubble canopy, debounced landing gear and water injection.
The turning performance of the F4U was measured with the strip remembering that the flight test between the F4U and FW190A5, P-51B, A6M5 and F6F were all done with a spoiler equiped F4U. It was shown to out turn the FW190A5 and P-51B while being slightly inferior to the F6F. In test against the Zero it could stay with the Zeke for one half turn. The F4U-4 had lower drag and 200HP more giving it better acceleration climb and E-retention. It is regarded by all as the best flying F4U.
Later
F4UDOA
[This message has been edited by F4UDOA (edited 12-11-2000).]
