There are many fine books describing the original "Birdcage" Corsair, but once again the Aircraft Pictorial Series has turned up new documentation explaining this amazing aircraft. Using the varied holdings of the National Archives and the National Air and Space Museum, Dana Bell presents a fresh interpretation of the F4U-1's history and technology. The book presents:

• The truth behind the 1943 decision to remove Corsairs from US Navy aircraft carriers
• The story behind the unofficial "-1A" designation
• a completely new explanation of the camouflage schemes carried by early Corsairs
• The first explanation of the Molins six-shooter flare launcher
• The first images of VF-17's external drop tanks
• The five tail wheel struts used by Corsairs
• The standard radios and antenna variations
• The strange but standard canopy and turtledeck variations
• The Westinghouse 19A jet engine experiments
• The parallel-development of the Brewster F3A-1 and Goodyear FG-1
• Serial number lists with production changes
• The story of the British Corsair Mark I
• Dozens of never-before-published photos

A second volume will cover the raised cockpit versions of the -1 Corsair: the "-1A," -1C, and -1D.