Vought XF2U-1
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The Vought XF2U-1 was a prototype biplane fighter aircraft evaluated by the United States Navy at the end of the 1920s, but already outclassed by competing designs and never put into production.
Vought's O2U Corsair, first delivered in 1927, was a successful design that set several speed and altitude record in that year. Vought adapted this design into a two-seat fighter, but progress was slow. By the time the plane was completed in June 1929, it was no longer state-of-the-art; in particular Curtiss' F8C Falcon was further along.
The prototype went to Norfolk, Virginia, was tested on a simulated carrier deck, and found satisfactory, allaying concerns about problems due to the rather long cowling over the engine. The plane then went to the Naval Aircraft Factory, who operated it until March 6, 1931, when it lost in a crash landing.
[edit] References
- Lloyd S. Jones, U.S. Naval Fighters (Fallbrook CA: Aero Publishers, 1977, ISBN 0-8168-9254-7), pp. 68-70
- Vought page on the XF2U-1
