Vought XF5U-1 \'Flying Flapjack\'

Mclovin 🇺🇸

10 Sep 2026 · © Mclovin

A rare glimpse of the Vought XF5U-1 'Flying Flapjack', an extraordinary WWII-era US Navy prototype fighter, preserved for history.

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Aircraft

XF5U-1 \'Flying Flapjack\' XF5U

US Navy prototype (vintage markings)

Manufacturer

Vought

Gear

Apple iPhone X Apple iPhone X back dual camera 4mm f/1.8

Achievements

Retro Wings, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Insights

Aviation History

The Vought XF5U \'Flying Flapjack\' was a highly unconventional experimental Navy fighter prototype from WWII, known for its flat, disc-shaped design for high lift and short takeoff/landing.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare; only two prototypes were ever built, neither survives intact.

Record Flights

No operational or record flights; never entered service or flew in combat.

Safety & Events

The only two prototypes built never flew operationally; the program was cancelled after WWII.

Future Outlook

All originals scrapped. Some museum replicas exist.

Specifications

2 × Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7 radial engines

Engine

16.5 m

Wingspan

8.1 m

Length

1,066 km

Range

370 km/h

Speed

1 pilot

Capacity

6,123 kg

MTOW

4.4 m

Height

2 × 1,600 hp (1,193 kW)

Thrust

Not applicable (prototype era; predates ICAO standards)

Noise