Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:19:38-2:22:40

How the Royal Navy handled Brewster-built Corsairs

British flight testing and carrier modifications provided a way to manage Brewster Corsair defects, while delayed deliveries remained a major problem and frontline use is disputed.

Aircraft TestingBrewster F3A CorsairCarrier AircraftFleet Air ArmNaval Aviation
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Question

How quickly did the Royal Navy recognize that Brewster-built F3A Corsairs had serious problems?

Short answer

British acceptance testing and carrier modifications provided an early opportunity to identify and manage the defects, although no exact discovery date is given.

Notes

Brewster-built F3A Corsairs had poor-quality wing fittings and restrictions on aerobatics and speed. Imported aircraft went through British flight testing, and Corsairs already needed modifications for Royal Navy carriers, so the defects could be addressed within work that was required anyway. Late delivery was a major problem for both British and American users. Whether the Fleet Air Arm operated modified examples in frontline units remains disputed here. Experience with the demanding Seafire helps explain why a Corsair with manageable shortcomings could still have a use.