Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:15:10-2:15:25

The XF5U as a modern STOL starting point

The XF5U's projected low-speed performance suggests an intriguing STOL lineage, although any modern derivative would require a costly new development programme.

Aircraft DevelopmentSTOL AircraftVought Xf5u
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could the Vought XF5U have served as the basis for a modern propeller-driven STOL aircraft?

Short answer

Possibly, but the idea was never developed and reviving it would require substantial new investment.

Notes

The Vought XF5U, described in the question as a development of the Flying Flapjack, had an expected take-off and landing speed of about 40 mph and a projected top speed of 450 knots. Those figures make it an intriguing basis for a modern propeller-driven STOL aircraft. The idea might have been worth exploring. No such successor was developed historically, and revival would require substantial new development money. It remains a design thought experiment with no ready programme behind it.