After a number of failed attempts to interest the US military, the US Navy granted Chance Vought a contract to build a full-size, flying demonstrator prototype designated the Vought V-173, also known as, along with its successor, Zimmer's Skimmer, the Flying Pancake, or (most commonly) the Flying Flapjack. As the first step, the V-173 was the proof-of-concept prototype to study and develop the basic aerodynamics of the design before scaling up to a practical fighter. Though the XF5U never took to the air aside from a couple of brief hops, the estimated maximum speed was 425 to 550 mph (684 to 885 km/h), with a range of about 1,000 miles (1,600 km), a service ceiling of 32,000 ft (9,750 m), and a take off distance of a mere 300 ft (91 ft) in a dead calm.
Author: David Szondy
Published at: 2025-03-29 12:03:00
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