The FG-1D Corsair (Bu. No. 92013) that arrived at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in October 2024 is currently under restoration but will be available to be viewed in the restoration hangar at two public events in February 2025 before its official public unveiling planned for March. Vintage Aviation News covered the arrival of this Corsair and its history in an article HERE.
The aircraft arrived at the museum located in New York City after its journey from Washington D.C. Known for its critical role in the Pacific theater, this Corsair will undergo meticulous restoration by the museum’s skilled specialists. This particular exhibit will honor the story of Alfred Lerch, a celebrated Corsair pilot from Intrepid’s VF-10 squadron, who achieved the remarkable feat of becoming an “ace in a day” by downing seven enemy aircraft in a single combat mission. For his bravery, Lerch was awarded the Navy Cross, and the restored Corsair will bear his personal markings, making this exhibit a powerful tribute to his legacy.
The first event to see the Corsair is “Intrepid After Hours: Meet the New Corsair” on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 4:30 pm. This event is open to current and former U.S. Military service members only, and includes an exclusive preview of the Corsair, an informative talk by Manager of Aircraft Restoration Peter Torraca, and Kate Good, associate curator of Aerospace, as they delve into the fascinating history of the Corsair and the restoration process of this iconic WWII fighter-bomber. After the presentation, enjoy a catered dinner while continuing the conversation with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Tickets are free and advanced registration is required at THIS LINK. Space is limited so act soon! Any questions can be emailed to access@intrepidmuseum.org.
The second opportunity to see the Corsair is at “Aircraft Talks at Kids Week” on February 15 and February 16, 2025, at 11:30 am-3:30 pm. Visitors can go inside Intrepid Museum’s Aircraft Restoration Hangar on the flight deck and hear a discussion on the process of restoring and preserving aircraft on display at the Museum (approx. 20 minutes, on the half-hour). This event is weather permitting. Kids Week takes place February 15 through February 22, and invites children of all ages to explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) through a range of thrilling activities. Aircraft Talks are included with museum admission tickets, which can be purchased HERE.