Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake”
The Vought V-173, known as the “Flying Pancake,” is one of the most unusual aircraft built—and surprisingly, it actually flew quite well.
Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake" - WW2 American Aircraft

Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Experimental Aircraft & Prototypes
Manufacturer: Vought

Vought Aircraft Logo

Vought V-173 Aircraft Overview

The V-173 was an experimental test aircraft developed by the United States Navy during World War II, designed by the legendary aeronautical engineer Charles H. Zimmerman. Its standout feature? A flat, disc-shaped body with two massive, slow-turning propellers mounted on its wingtips, giving it the unmistakable look of a flying saucer… or, yes, a pancake.

Zimmerman believed that an aircraft with a very low aspect ratio wing (meaning short and wide, like a disc) could achieve extreme lift and allow for very short takeoffs and landings (STOL)—perfect for naval operations on aircraft carriers. The odd shape also gave it excellent maneuverability at low speeds.

How Did the Vought V-173 Perform?

Despite its appearance, the V-173 flew remarkably well. First taking flight in 1942, it logged over 190 test flights and was flown by test pilot Boone T. Guyton—and even once by Charles Lindbergh, who was impressed with its stability and control.

It had a top speed of around 138 mph and could take off at just 40 mph, sometimes after only a 200-foot run. Its huge wooden propellers and lightweight frame made it nimble, though it wasn’t exactly fast.

What Happened to the Vought V-173?

Though it performed admirably in tests, the concept was eventually shelved in favor of more conventional aircraft. A more advanced, metal-bodied version called the Vought XF5U “Flying Flapjack” was built, but never flown in active service due to the war ending and the rapid development of jet engines.

Today, the original V-173 is preserved and can be seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia—a testament to just how far inventiveness can go in aviation design.

Vought V-173 Specifications

  • Pilot: Single-seat (one pilot)

  • Length: 26 feet 8 inches (8.13 meters)

  • Wingspan: 23 feet 4 inches (7.1 meters)

  • Height: 14 feet 9 inches (4.51 meters)

  • Wing Surface Area: 427 square feet (44.2 square meters)

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2,258 pounds (1,024 kilograms)

  • Engines: Two Continental A-80 engines — 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed, each producing 80 horsepower (60 kW)

Vought V-173 Performance

  • Top Speed: 138 mph (222 km/h or 120 knots)

  • Time to Climb to 5,000 feet (1,524 meters): Approximately 7 minutes

Vought V-173 Image Gallery

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