The Vought F7U Cutlass swept flying wing design had a large central nacelle and two substantial vertical tail surfaces. The first U.S. fighter designed from the start to use afterburners. Three prototype XF7U-1 (122472-122474) were built. The first flying on 29 September 1948.
1950 production was 20 F7U-1 (124415-124434) as trainers.
S/ns 125322-125409 were assigned for F7U-2s, but production was cancelled.
After 14 F7U-1’s, the Cutlass was in production for the U.S. Navy in 1951 as the F7U-3 interceptor and F7U-3P photo-reconnaissance aircraft with lengthened nose containing cameras. 288 F7U-3 (128451-128478 and 139868-139917 et al) were built, with a redesign, radar gunsight, four 20mm cannon; and two 4600 lb J46-WE-8A engines.
Built in 1954 were the F7U-3M missile platform and F7U-3P photo-recon version.
F7U-1 Cutlass
Engines: 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-32, 3000 lb
Wingspan: 38’8″
Length: 39’7″
Speed: 672 mph
Range: 1170 mi
Ceiling: 41,400 ft
Armament: 6×20 mm. cannon
Seats: 1
F7U-3
Engines: 2 x J46-WE-8A, 4600 lb / 6100 lb afterburn
Wingspan: 38 ft 8 in
Length: 40 ft 10.5 in
Height: 11 ft 6.5 in
Empty weight: 13,100 lb
Normal loaded weight: 20,000 lb
Max weight: 23,000 lb
Max speed: 670 mph / 705 mph afterburn at SL
Max ROC: 13,000 fpm
Range: 660 mi
Ceiling: 40,000 ft
Armament: four 20m cannon
Bombload: 5400 lb
F7U-3P
Naval photo- reconnaissance aircraft
Engines: 2 x Westinghouse J46-WE-8A turbojets, 4,800 lb. thrust
Wingspan: 38 ft. 8 in.
Loaded weight: 20,000 lb
Max speed: 670 m.p.h.
Ceiling: Over 45,000 ft.
Crew: 1
Armament: None
All Aero 