The Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake" is an American experimental test aircraft built as part of the Vought XF5U program during World War II. Both the V-173 and the XF5U featured an …

May 26, 2022 · Fortunately, the V-173 Flying Pancake prototype was not destroyed. Sixty years later, on loan from the Smithsonian, it was lovingly restored by a team of Vought retirees. …

Jan 20, 2017 · The lower leading edge of the aircraft had glazed panels to improve visibility from the cockpit while the V-173 was on the ground. Cockpit entry was via a hatch under the …

With a wing loading of only 5 lbs/sq ft, the V-173 could lift off in 200 feet in a calm, and with a zero run against a 25-knot headwind. However, with a power loading of 14-lbs/hp maximum, level …

A search of both engine compartments and the cockpit revealed no battery. Later, a Vought worker was examining the cockpit. He noticed an electrical wire going from under the …

On November 23, 1942, after extended taxi tests, what became known as the Flying Pancake made its first flight at Bridgeport Airport in Stratford, Connecticut. Vought’s chief test pilot, …

Oct 28, 2024 · What You Need to Know: The Vought V-173, or “Flying Pancake,” defied traditional aircraft design with its flat, flying-wing shape. Invented in the 1930s by Charles Zimmerman, …

Vought V-173 cockpit During flight testing of the V-173, surprised Connecticut locals reported UFO sightings on several occasions. On one of the test flights, the Flying Pancake made an …

To this was added a prone cockpit position to advocate the slimmest forward profile possible, retaining maximum aerodynamic efficiency. With his team, Zimmerman produced scale …

It has two 80 HP piston engines driving 16 foot diameter propellers through cross shafting and 90 degree gearboxes. It accommodated a single pilot and had fixed landing gears. The V-173 …