CHANCE VOUGHT V-153 AND XF5U-1 FLYING PANCAKES

The "Flying Pancake", "Flying Flapjack", "Flying Saucer", and "Zimmer's Skimmer" were all names used to describe Charles H. Zimmerman's unorthodox V-173 and XF5U-1 aircraft. Two other descriptions: the world's fastest and slowest-flying airplane and the world's first vertical takeoff and landing airplane, might have been used to describe the XF5U1 that was built but never flown. Zimmerman's brainchild was designed to do just that, but was never given the chance.

(Source : amazon.com)

INTRODUCTION

This book was created from manuscripts written by and provided by Art Schoeni public affairs official for Vought from 1953 to 1978. These writings have been published in; Aeroplane Monthly (Nov. & Dec. 1975), Air Classics (Vol. 11/8 Aug. 1975), and Historical Aviation Album (Vol. VIII). Two other good references on the Pancakes are Aeroplanes Vought by G. Moran and Air Enthusiast (Vol. 4/6 June 1973). The other major contributor to this book was Tommy Thomason who provided a modern view of the program and the kit reviews. The V-173 drawings were provided by Ed Clendenin of Eagle Talon models.

ABOUT THE SERIE « THE NAVAL FIGHTERS »

The Naval Fighters series and the new Air Force Legends series are dedicated to preserving America's aviation history. Each monograph's size is dictated by the individual aircraft's own history. In addition to the aircraft's development and testing, each book covers squadron histories, insignias, flight and maintenance manual excerpts, sea stories, if applicable, and model reviews. Take a look inside the aircraft to see how they were put together. See the prototypes of the aircraft, some of which never made it off the drawing boards.

(Source : ginterbooks.com)