When the British were looking for a decent carrier-based fighter, it was natural that they'd turn to looking at what the US was using (or in this case, developing). In addition to using Wildcats and Hellcats, the RN also used a goodly number of Corsairs. Though the US was not happy with the Corsair as a carrier-based aircraft (mainly due to its long nose and tendency to 'bounce' when it hit the deck on landing), the RN had no such qualms. Frankly they were glad to get anything that was decent and the Corsair was more than that. Except for some Corsair I's kept in the States for training pilots, the Corsair IIs and IV's had the wing tips clipped slightly to enable the aircraft to fit below decks on British carriers (which had less hangar head room than US carriers).

The RN Corsairs were mostly used in the Pacific during the last years of the war with Japan. The earlier Corsair II's were painted in standard RN colors of dark slate grey/dark sea grey over sky, while the later Corsair IV's were left in overall gloss dark sea blue. All of these planes are Pacific Fleet aircraft so have the naval SEAC roundels that are only white and blue; some of them with the 'wings' to the insignia on the fuselage. I've cropped the decal sheet of most of the common markings as you can see above. There are full markings for all four aircraft provided, though data markings will have to come from the kit or another source.

The first aircraft is a Corsair II from 1830 Sq aboard the HMS Illustrious in April of 1945. It has the larger fuselage and wing insignia and participated in the 'softening up' of Okinawa.

Another Corsair II is from the HMS Victorious in January of 1945 when attacking the oil refineries at Palembang, Borneo. It shows the SEAC markings in effect at that time.

This 1846 Sq Corsair IV was aboard the HMS Colussus in Feb of 1945, but saw no action.

Same with this second Corsair IV, also with 1846 Squadron in early 1945. IT shows the difference in roundel style that was common with SEAC marked aircraft.

All in all, a nice sheet that offers a number of interesting markings options for the Royal Navy fan.

Review sheet courtesy of my increasing decal sheet collection.

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