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Dark Blue – Royal Navy Corsairs – the first to fly from carriers

The Fighter Collection’s Goodyear built FG-1D Corsair captured North of Cambridge with Pete Kynsey at the controls. (Photo by John Dibbs/Facebook.com/theplanepicture)

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The Royal Navy operated over 2,000 F4U Corsairs during World War Two. It was flying them from aircraft carriers when the U.S. Navy had declared the aircraft unsuitable for deck operations. “Of all the aircraft I had seen, it was the most wicked-looking bastard. It looked truly vicious. I saw no reason why a Corsair shouldn’t kill me and that day I sat down and typed my last will and testament.” —Lt. Norman Hanson, RNVR...

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All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.