F7U-1 Cutlass

The Vought F7U‑1 Cutlass was a radical naval jet fighter that entered service in 1951, representing one of the most unconventional aircraft designs of the early jet age. Conceived by Charles H. L. “Chuck” Vought in response to a 1945 Navy requirement for a carrier‑borne, swept‑wing interceptor, the Cutlass featured a tailless, double‑delta wing, twin Westinghouse J34‑40 turbo‑jets mounted in the fuselage, and a distinctive “fuselage‑integrated” landing gear. Its sleek, almost futuristic silhouette eliminated conventional tail surfaces, promising high speed and a compact footprint for carrier decks. The aircraft’s operational history was troubled: early prototypes suffered chronic hydraulic failures, insufficient thrust, and a high accident rate that led to the loss of 23 of the 187 built. Despite these shortcomings, the Cutlass introduced several innovations, including a fully powered flight‑control system and the first use of an afterburner on a carrier aircraft. The program’s difficulties highlighted the challenges of integrating cutting‑edge aerodynamics with the demanding environment of carrier operations, influencing subsequent Navy designs such as the F9F Panther and the eventual adoption of more conventional swept‑wing jets. The Cutlass remains a striking example of post‑World War II engineering ambition and a cautionary lesson in balancing novelty with reliability.