Vought V-173, nicknamed “Flying Pancake,” is a peculiar aircraft that was an ambitious attempt by the U.S. Navy to create a fighter that could take off and land vertically like a helicopter.1
This captured the imagination of the U.S. Navy and came close to revolutionizing aerial warfare. But what happened to this promising project, and why did it fail to take off?
The Visionary behind the Flying Pancake
The mastermind behind the V-173 was Charles H. Zimmerman, an aeronautical engineer known for his unconventional designs. (ref)
Zimmerman believed that by creating a circular wing, he could achieve a uniform airflow over the entire surface, enabling the aircraft to take off and land at extremely low speeds while maintaining high-speed capabilities.
Working closely with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor to NASA, Zimmerman set out to bring his vision to life.
Little did he know that his creation would capture the public’s imagination and become an iconic symbol of the era’s technological ambition.
Putting the Pancake to the Test
In 1942, the prototype of the V-173 was ready for flight testing. The aircraft, made primarily of wood and fabric, weighed a mere 2,257 pounds and was powered by two 80-horsepower Continental engines.
Test pilots, including the legendary Charles Lindbergh, were eager to get their hands on this unique flying machine.
During the 131 hours of flight tests, pilots discovered that the V-173 had some remarkable abilities. It could maintain control at high angles of attack and was virtually impossible to stall.
However, the aircraft also faced challenges, such as vibration issues and difficulty controlling at low speeds.
The Military Upgrade: XF5U-1 Flying Flapjack
Impressed by the V-173’s potential, the U.S. Navy requested a military version of the aircraft, designated the XF5U-1 or “Flying Flapjack.”
This upgraded model featured a metal body, more powerful engines, and provisions for armaments, including machine guns and bombs.
The XF5U-1 promised a top speed of 425 mph and a range of 1,000 miles, making it a formidable contender for a carrier-based fighter.
However, the project faced numerous delays due to the ongoing WWII effort and the prioritization of more conventional aircraft designs.
The Demise of the Flying Pancake
Despite its promising start, the XF5U-1 program was ultimately canceled in 1947. The advent of jet engines and the end of World War II shifted the Navy’s focus away from unconventional design.
The two prototypes were ordered to be destroyed, and the Flying Pancake faded into aviation history.
Although the Vought V-173 and XF5U-1 never saw combat, their unique designs and innovative concepts captivate aviation enthusiasts.
The Flying Pancake remains a testament to the ingenuity and daring of the engineers and pilots who pushed flight limits during one of the most tumultuous periods in human history.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
