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F4U Corsair Engine Specifications

The F4U Corsair was one of the most important fighter planes of World War II. At the time of its introduction, it was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, setting a record for the fastest production aircraft. Used primarily in the Pacific theater, the F4U operated both from airfields and aircraft carriers and was originally produced with the Pratt &Whitney 2800-R Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial engine. The F4U retained this engine throughout several production models and with several variants and improvements as the war progressed.

Base Model Specifications
- The original version of the F4U came with the Pratt &Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18 cylinder, air-cooled radial engine. At the time, it was the most powerful engine of its type in the world. It displaced 2,800 cubic inches (45.9 L) and produced 2,000 peak horsepower at 2,400 RPM. Its cylinders had a bore of 5.8 inches (146 mm) and a stroke of 6 inches (152 mm). It weighed 2,350 pounds (1,068 kg).
War Power Modifications
- In an effort to boost power and performance, some F4U Corsairs were produced with the Pratt &Whitney R-2800-18W engine, which shared most physical characteristics with the earlier R-2800 but produced 2,100 hp. It also had a special methanol-water fuel injection system that could boost power to about 2,450 hp for about five minutes.
Series "E"
- A further improvement on the 2800 series motor was the R-2800-32W engine, which was similar to previous versions but was outfitted with dual superchargers, boosting the power output to 2,350 hp and 2,760 hp with the methanol-water emergency war power system.
AU-1
- A final version of the F4U produced during 1952 as a ground attack aircraft had a supercharged R-2800-83WA engine, the ultimate development of the 2800 series. This engine produced 2,800 hp.

Aviation