Vought V-173 Flying Pancake

The Vought V‑173, nicknamed the “Flying Pancake,” was an experimental aircraft built by the Vought Aviation Corporation during World War II. Designed by engineer Charles H. Zimmerman, the plane first flew on November 23, 1942, as part of a Navy program that sought unconventional solutions for short‑takeoff and high‑lift capabilities. Its most striking feature was a thick, circular wing—essentially a flat disc—integrated with a central fuselage and twin rudders. Two 1,350‑hp Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines were mounted in a pusher arrangement behind the pilot, driving propellers that sat just above the wing’s upper surface. This configuration generated lift across the entire disc, allowing the V‑173 to achieve take‑off runs of less than 300 feet and to demonstrate remarkable maneuverability at low speeds, including steep climbs and tight turns. Although the design never entered production, the aircraft proved that disc‑shaped lifting bodies could produce stable flight, influencing later research into flying saucers, VTOL concepts and modern blended‑wing‑body aircraft. The V‑173 remains a striking example of wartime ingenuity and a milestone in the exploration of non‑conventional aerodynamics. Its preserved prototype is displayed at the National Air and Space Museum, inspiring future designers.

Vought

Vought V-173 Flying Pancake

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification