How The Corsair Pulled Off Steep Dives
YouTube / U.S. Marine Corps
They Can Do That?!
Much like the SBD Dauntless and the A-1 Skyraider, the Corsair executed steep dives with precision. What set it apart was its innovative use of dive brakes.
Unlike traditional methods, Corsair pilots manipulated the landing gear handle to lower the main gear doors, which acted as dive brakes.
The F4U-4 pilot’s manual goes more in depth. According to it, the dive brake control is on the left hand shelf. To extend, the pilot has to move the landing gear control to the “DOWN” position.
This, in turn, only extends the main landing gear BUT leaves the tail wheel retracted. Now, to retract the brakes, they would have to move it to the “UP” position.
This unique system helped slow and stabilize the aircraft during its perilous descents, while the tail wheel stayed securely retracted.
