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Goodyear had been a major producer of the Chance-Vought F4U Corsair naval fighter since 1943 (under the FG designation). The next year they were asked to work on a high performance variant, which was given the F2G designation, indicating that it was seen as essentially a different aircraft. This new aircraft was based around the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engine, which was capable of providing 3000 hp, a big increase on the 2000 hp engine used in the original Corsair.
The installation of the larger engine resulted in a longer nose. A four bladed propeller was installed, to make better use of the increase in power. The height of the tail was increased by the addition of an auxiliary rudder, aimed at increasing the stability of the aircraft at higher speeds. A new bubble canopy was used to improve the pilot’s view. The armament was unchanged from the F4U-1D at six .50 calibre machine guns with stubs for eight rocket launchers and the capability to carry bombs or fuel tanks under the wing roots. Two versions were proposed – the land based F2G-1 and the carrier based F2G-2, which had hydraulically folded wings and arrester hooks.
The new aircraft was technically a great success. It could reach a speed of over 450 mph, fast enough to intercept the Japanese kamikaze aircraft at a safer distance from the carriers. However, before the F2G could enter full production it became clear that the war was coming to an end. Only 10 production aircraft (apparently five of each type) were completed before the order was cancelled.