Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Vought
Vought XF5U Aircraft Overview
The Vought XF5U was an experimental fighter aircraft designed and built by Vought Aircraft Industries in the United States during World War II. The aircraft was nicknamed the “Flying Flapjack” due to its unique shape, which resembled a pancake.
The XF5U was designed to be a high-performance fighter that could take off and land in a short distance, making it suitable for use on aircraft carriers. The aircraft had a circular airframe with a central cockpit and two large propellers mounted in the wings. The wings themselves provided lift, and the propellers were used for propulsion and control.
The XF5U underwent extensive testing, but it never entered production. The aircraft had a number of design flaws, including poor stability and control, and it was difficult to fly. In addition, the development of jet-powered fighters during the war made the XF5U obsolete before it could be put into service.
Only two prototypes of the XF5U were built, and both were eventually scrapped. Despite its failure, the aircraft remains an interesting and unusual footnote in the history of aviation.
Vought XF5U Specifications
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 28 ft 7 in (8.73 m)
- Wingspan: 32 ft 6 in (9.91 m)
- Height: 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
- Wing area: 475 sq ft (44.2 m2)
- Empty weight: 13,107 lb (5,958 kg)
- Gross weight: 16,722 lb (7,600 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,772 lb (8,533 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney XR-2000-2 radial engine, 1,350 hp (1,007 kW) each
Vought XF5U Performance
- Maximum speed: 452 mph (727 km/h, 393 kn) at 28,000 ft (8,534 m)(estimated)
- Stall speed: 20 mph (32 km/h, 17 kn)
- Range: 710 mi (1,142 km, 620 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 34,500 ft (10,516 m)
- Rate of climb: 3,120 ft/min (15.8 m/s) or 914 m/min
- Wing loading: 39.2 lb/sq ft (191 kg/m2)
Vought XF5U Armament
- 6 × .50 (12.7 mm) machine guns.
- 2 × 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs.
