Warbird Information Exchange

Never have been able to find much information on this model. Are there any still around?

All I have found is that is that it was a low-altitude ground-attack version for the Marines. It had extra hardpoints and had more armor protection. And it seems everyone said the handling was pretty bad?

I'd just be interested in learning more.

Thanks,
John

There are no publicly acknowledged survivors of the 111 constructed. There may of course be some wrecks out there, but none that I know of. It was a ground attack version of the Corsair, and originally designated F4U-6, but changed to AU-1 due to its attack-only role. Some AU-1's served in Indo-China with the French Navy, and obviously, some also served with the USMC in Korea. As far as handling goes, I don't know too much about that, but given its numerous hard points, I imagine it was a handful when fully loaded. Hopefully, someone somewhere has a wreck stashed away that may one day see the light of day.

Cheers,
Richard

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Richard Mallory Allnutt - Photography - http://www.rmallnutt.com

According to my sources there are 2-3 AU-1 air frames off shore of South Korea. Give Crazy Kim a call, I'm sure he will give you a wreck hunting pass Also there are unqualified rumors of a pair of AU-1's being in North Vietnam some where near the Bearcat cache. When the french left they ran like hell and left a lot behind. I know there are some AU-1 parts here in the US but they are not for sale so I guess effectively we won't be seeing one static or other wise anytime in the near future.

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Andrew King
Air Museum Director with no Museum to Direct
Open to Suggestions