Vought F7U Cutlass

The Vought Cutlass F7U (English cutlass ) was a jet powered fighter aircraft of the U.S. Navy from the early days of the Cold War.

Development

In 1946, the Navy ordered three prototypes. On September 29, 1948, the first aircraft made ​​its maiden flight.

Vought was awarded the construction contract for 14 F7U -1, corresponding to the prototypes, as well as for the F7U -2 ( which was never built because of engine problems), and the F7U -3, which was built as a final version in 180 copies. 98 machines were equipped thereof as F7U -3M for the use of AIM -7 Sparrow air - to-air missiles.

Construction

The structural design of the Cutlass as a tailless aircraft was unusual. Comparisons were made with the Arado design E. employed 583 ( Project I ); the head of the aerodynamic research department of Vought, William C. Schoolfield, however, has denied that a focus on German research has taken place.

The F7U had no horizontal tail, but only large, curved wing with two small vertical stabilizers. The roll and tilt control was ensured by elevons.

The drive they had two Westinghouse J46 -WE -8A turbojets, each with 20.5 kN of thrust.

As armament were four 20- mm machine guns.

Versions

Specifications

See also: List of types of aircraft

Pictures of Vought F7U Cutlass

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