Background: After World War II, piston warplanes soldiered on, decades after the major powers developed jets. If your local opponent does not have an expensive jet, why do you want one? The Corsair and the Mustang persisted in South and Central America into the 1970s.
The last combat use of the Corsair type aircraft was in July, 1969 during the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras. The FAH (Honduras Air Force) flew F4U-4, -5, -5N and -5NL Corsairs. The FAS (El Salvador Air Force) flew FG1-D Corsairs (F4U-1D built by Goodyear Aircraft). El Salvador also flew various re-militarized P-51Ds.
On July 17, 1969 Capt. Fernando Soto (FAH) and his wingman were bounced by two FAS P-51Ds. The wingman was shot down, but Soto shot down Capt. Humberto Varla (FAS). Soto shot down 2 other FAS corsairs for a total of three aircraft.
(Interestingly, both sides seem to report themselves as being attacked).
Map: Ground map.
| Aircraft: | Honduran | = | 2x F4U-5 Corsair |
| El Salvador | = | 2x P-51D Mustang |
Setup: Set the Hondurans up in the center of the map in flexible formation parameters (with same heading) at 8.0, speed 6.0. They are loaded for ground attack (2x 250 lb bombs - 6.0 load points). Set up the P-51Ds at 8.0 at speed 8.0 at least 8 hexes behind the F4Us.
Game Length: 20 turns
Special Rules: The Honduran aircraft cannot maneuver until they are fired upon. Once either Honduran aircraft is attacked, they can maneuver normally.
Additional Rules: Soto is a Veteran pilot. All other pilots are Regulars.
The F4U-5 is available from Uncle Ted's.
Background: Later that same afternoon, Major Soto was out on another bombing mission when he spotted two Salvadoran FG-1Ds above him. The FAH F4U-5s began to climb, but the wingman was bounced by 2 more FG-1Ds (he escaped). One of the FG-1Ds, piloted by Major Trabanino were shot down.
Map: Ground map.
| Aircraft: | Honduran | = | 2x F4U-5 Corsair |
| El Salvador | = | 4x FG-1D Corsair |
Setup: Set the Hondurans up in 2111 and 1808 in flexible formation heading E at 5.0, speed 6.0. They are loaded for ground attack (2x 250 lb bombs - 6.0 load points). Set up two FG-1Ds at heading NE, alt. 8.0 at speed 6.0 in 2221 and 2418.
The second pair begins off the board. At the end of every turn, roll 1D10. If the roll is less than the turn number, the second pair can enter at the beginning of the next turn along the west edge of the board, speed 6.0 at any altitude up to 2000 ft above the Hondurans.
Game Length: 20 turns
Special Rules:
Additional Rules: Soto is a Veteran pilot. All other pilots are Regulars.
The F4U-5 is available from Uncle Ted's. The FG-1D Corsair was published in Air Power #36 (part of F4U-1D).