F7U Cutlass

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The Chance Vought F7U Cutlass was a U.S. Navy jet fighter of the early Cold War. It was a highly unusual, tailless design, based on aerodynamic data captured from the Arado company at the end of World War II. The Cutlass had broad, swept wings, with twin tail fins mounted on them. Pitch and roll control was provided by elevons.

Related Topics:
Chance Vought - U.S. Navy - Jet fighter - Cold War - Tailless - Arado - World War II - Elevon

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Three prototypes were ordered in 1946, with the first example flying on September 29 1948. Production orders were placed for the F7U-1 in a specification very close to the prototypes, and F7U-2 and F7U-3 versions with more powerful engines. Because of development problems with the powerplant, however, the F7U-2 would never be built, while the F7U-3 would also incorporate many refinements suggested by tests of the -1. The -3 would eventually become the definitive production version, with 162 aircraft equipping four USN squadrons.

Related Topics:
1946 - September 29 - 1948

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