20 radical military aircraft that didn’t make the cut
Vought XF5U
Vought’s “Flying Flapjack” could well be what the stork brings if a toad, frisbee, and an airplane share a night of alcohol-induced passion. The rather unique XF5U was based on Vought’s earlier V-173 experimental flying disc design. Famed U.S. aviator Charles Lindbergh once flew the 173 and was impressed with its handling and low-speed maneuverability. The advent of jet aircraft put an end to the XF5U program before it can fly, but the oddly beautiful prototype was so rugged that it took a wrecking ball to dismantle it.
As soon as I finish my “slideshow” on Cold War-ERA TAC warplanes — which has become more of a full-length article with 1,500 words and counting — I’ll jump right on that, Colonel!
Thanks for your service,
Chris
Excellent article and fascinating pictures. Would like to see a similar one for pre-ww1, ww1 and post-ww1 aircraft. Thanks, Colonel Buzzsaw, USAF-ret. Retired SADO/13B/DO for 601 AOC.