Vought F4U-5NL Corsair, N45NL, Collings Foundation
This picture is © Dick Jenkins and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N45NL
Construction Number: Unknown
Code Number: 124692 / NP-5
Model Vought F4U-5NL Corsair
Operator: Collings Foundation
Airport: Pensacola NAS (NPA / KNPA), USA - Florida
Airshow: Pensacola - Blue Angels Homecoming - 2008
Photographer: Dick Jenkins
Date Taken: 15/11/2008
Date Submitted: 02/07/2010
The Corsair and the F/A-18 flew the Legacy Flight during the Blue Angels Homecoming in 2008. By this time, 1950, jet technology had superceded the Corsair, but the WWII veteran fighter could still deliver potent ground attacks and was useful as a night fighter. Planes once bordering on obsolete were now recalled from reserve squadrons and storage depots. In addition, new examples were added to the Chance Vought production line. The production continued until December of 1952. It was at this point in time that newly-built BuNo 124692 was transferred to VC-3, based aboard the carrier Essex. From November of 1951, through February of 1952. 124692 flew seventy-seven combat hours over Korea in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Intense cold, frequent storms, and the dangers of combat made this tour extremely difficult. As a -5NL, 124692 saw most of its service as a night fighter, patrolling the black skies in search of enemy aircraft.
Picture ID:1241091