FG-1D Corsair KD345 Departs the UK For a New Chapter in The United States

In a poignant changing of the guard at Duxford, one historic warbird arrives just as another bids farewell. The beautifully preserved FG-1D Corsair, known to many as KD345, will leave British skies for a new home in Alabama.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Goodyear Corsair FG-1D G-FGID was built under license by the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation at their facility in Akron, Ohio and delivered to the US Navy with Bureau Number (BuNo) 88297 on April 11, 1945. Photo by Nigel Hitchman
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In a bittersweet moment for vintage aviation enthusiasts in the UK, one historic aircraft arrives (P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSwine’) while another departs. Through reliable sources, it has been confirmed that the FG-1D Corsair, known as KD345, is heading back to the United States. While the identity of the new owner remains undisclosed, it is known that the aircraft will now be based in Alabama.

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The Fighter Collections FG-1D Corsair taxies out for takeoff. The aircraft is marked to represent a Corsair of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. The real KD345 flew with the 1850 Squadron aboard HMS Vengeance.  (photo by Dave Layland)

Originally introduced in 1940, the Chance Vought FG-1D Corsair was a revolutionary design, featuring the most powerful engine and largest diameter propeller of any fighter aircraft at the time. This potent combination made it the first single-engine fighter capable of exceeding 400 mph. The Corsair’s production continued until 1952, giving it the longest production run of any American piston-engined fighter. The Corsair first saw combat with the US Marine Corps, flying from remote land bases in the Pacific. It wasn’t until later that the aircraft operated from carriers—initially with the British Fleet Air Arm. Renowned for its performance, the Corsair earned its place in aviation history as a dominant air superiority fighter during World War II and continued to prove its worth during the Korean War.

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The Fighter Collection’s Grumman F8F Bearcat sits beside their FG-1D Corsair on the tarmac at Duxford during the Meet the Fighters air show. The Bearcat opened the show paired up with a Hawker Fury. (photo by Donald Nijboer)

This particular Corsair was built under license by the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation in Akron, Ohio, and assigned Bureau Number 88297. Accepted by the US Navy on April 9, 1945, she was delivered just two days later and sent to Guam with Aircraft Pool Airwing 2. Later that year, she underwent repairs in the Philippines—likely at a depot in Samar—before being returned to the United States. Following her active duty, the Corsair was assigned to various US Naval Air Reserve squadrons and spent time in storage before being declared surplus in March 1956, having accumulated 1,652 flight hours.

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The Fighter Collection’s FG-1D Corsair, marked as an example that served in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm aboard the carrier HMS Vengeance at the tail end of WWII. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)

In January 1959, the aircraft was acquired by ALU-MET Smelters and left to deteriorate in a scrap yard until rescued in 1960 by legendary stunt pilot Frank Tallman, who later described her as his favorite aircraft in his book The Great Planes. After parting with the Corsair in 1966, she passed through a series of civilian owners before joining The Fighter Collection at Duxford in 1986.

The Fighter Collections FG 1D Corsair marked as an example that served in the Royal Navys Fleet Air Arm aboard the carrier HMS Vengeance at the tail end of WWII. photo by Nigel Hitchman
Photo via Aerial Visuals. Photographer: Unknown

What makes this Corsair especially significant is its remarkable originality. Never restored, it remains one of the few airworthy Corsairs still flying with fabric-covered wings. It is currently painted in the livery of a British Fleet Air Arm aircraft—KD345 of 1850 Squadron—depicting its service aboard HMS Vengeance in December 1945 as part of the British Pacific Fleet. While her departure from the UK marks the end of an era, Corsair KD345 is poised to begin an exciting new chapter in the skies over Alabama.

Grumman FM 2 Wildcat JV579 F The Old Thing Vought Corsair lV FG 1D KD345 A 130 D05 9483
The Duxford-based FG-1D Corsair Bu.88297 and FM-2 Wildcat Bu.86711 are owned by The Fighter Collection and dressed as Corsair IV KD345 and Wildcat V JV579. (photo by George Land)
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
4 Comments
  • Such a shame that this has happened. A real icon of UK airshow history gone, and a reminder of the British Pacific Fleet’s involvement vanished. A real terrible shame.

  • The Corsair was the first *single engine fighter to exceed 400mph in level flight.

    The first fighter to do it was the P-38 Lightning.

  • Hi Moreno,
    It would be really nice to document the flight back to the U.S. (if this is the plan) I’m sure your readers would like to be exposed to such a mission. Flying a single engine historical fighter on long legs overwater over the North Atlantic. Such subjects like fuel management, flight planning weather conditions and considerations, emergency plan and survival equipment.

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