The Vought AU-1 was a ground attack version of the Vought F4U Corsair, one of the most powerful aircraft to see service during World War II. It was customised for low level operations with a single stage turbocharger, more armour plating and other changes to improve combat survivability.

The Vought AU-1 was a special attack variant of the F4U, developed from the F4U-5 and originally called the F4U-6.

It had extra armour to protect the pilot, relocated oil coolers, a simplified supercharger for low altitude operations, and extra weapons racks were fitted.

They were first produced in 1952 and used by the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

After the Korean War the French Navy used 69 AU-1 in compaigns in Indochina and Africa.

This model represents an AU-1 of Flottille 17.F on the French Navy Carrier La Fayette (ex USS Langley) in May 1961, during the Algerian conflict.

Hasegawa 1/48 kit painted in Model Master Glossy Sea Blue enamel suitably weathered to a dull finish and completed by Wayne.