F4U-5 CORSAIR, D-FCOR – Izavia Airshow

A Pacific legend with an inimitable silhouette

With its stocky silhouette, huge three-bladed propeller and characteristic W-shaped wings, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair is one of the most emblematic embarked fighters of the Second World War and the Korean conflict. The example you can admire here, registered D-FCOR, has a remarkable history behind it, combining military involvement, passionate restoration and a long career at airshows, first in France and then in Germany.

A documented operational career

This Corsair, serial number 124541, flew in the 1950s with the VMF-513 ‘Flying Nightmares’ squadron over Korea. This US Navy unit is one of the most famous, known for its particularly risky night operations. This exceptional pedigree is confirmed by the original historic map of the aircraft, still preserved – a rare document provided by the son of one of its former pilots, Al Sadeski.

From Argentina to France

After a long period on display in a museum in Argentina, the aircraft was sold in 1991 and transported to Le Castellet in France in 1994. There it underwent a thorough and meticulous restoration, during which it was converted into an F4U-7, a version used exclusively by the French naval air arm. It was given the registration F-AZYS. It was flown by Ramon Josa, a former Corsair pilot in the French Navy, adding an extra touch of authenticity to the aircraft’s history.

An icon of French airshows

Registered as F-AZYS, this Corsair quickly became a regular at flight demonstrations in France, and a firm favourite with the public. It took part in major events such as Flying Legends at Duxford in 2010, where it sported a livery called ‘Cielito’, before being converted back to its original F4U-5 configuration.

New life in Germany

In December 2009, the aircraft was acquired by MaxAlpha Aviation GmbH, transferred to Bremgarten and then entrusted to the MeierMotors workshops for a restoration faithful to its original version, the F4U-5. It was then given the registration number D-FCOR. In November 2023, the aircraft joined the prestigious collection of Flying Legends GmbH, based in Siegerland, where it continues to fly at major European events.