XF-5U-1 FLYING PANCAKE

The Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake" is an American experimental plane developed by Cahrles Zimmerman as part of the Vought XF5U program for the US Navy. The V-173, like the other "discoidal" Zimmerman planes, was characterized by a flat, round fuselage, almost complete lack of traditionally understood wings and a propulsion consisting of two piston engines. In the case of the V-173, these were two Continental A-80 engines with 80HP each. This bizarre plane first took off in 1942 and was sent to reserve in 1947. It is now part of the Smithsonian Collection and is on display in Maryland. Technical data: length: 4.51 m, wingspan (width): 7.1 m, height: 4.51 m, maximum speed: 222 km / h, climb speed: 3.67 m / s.