XF5U-1 Flying Flypjack 1:48 Kittyhawk 80135

Plastic model airplane kit: XF5U-1 Flying Flapjack 1:48 Kittyhawk 80135

We present the XF5U-1 Flying Flapjack model kit in 1:48 scale from the renowned company Kittyhawk. This unique model allows you to recreate one of the most unusual aircraft designs from World War II. The XF5U-1, also known as the "Flying Flapjack," was an experimental fighter of the United States Navy, designed by Charles H. Zimmerman for Vought.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: Kittyhawk
• Catalog number: 80135
• Material: Plastic

History and construction of the XF5U-1: The XF5U-1 was a development of the earlier V-173 prototype. It featured a flat, disc-shaped fuselage that served as a lifting surface. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt and Whitney R-2000 piston engines, each producing 1,400 HP, mounted in the fuselage, which drove propellers at the leading edge of the wings.

The XF5U-1 design aimed to create an aircraft with a low aspect ratio, which would ensure low takeoff and landing speeds while also achieving a high maximum speed. The aircraft's design also aimed to improve pilot visibility, cockpit comfort, and reduce vibrations. Changes were made to the cockpit design, moving it from the leading edge of the wing to the nose pod, which improved aerodynamics and reduced drag.

Innovative solutions: The XF5U-1 attempted to solve the problem of wingtip vortices that generate drag by using propellers that actively counteracted these vortices. The propellers were designed to rotate in the opposite direction to the wingtip vortices, aiming to trap higher pressure air under the wing. This allowed the aircraft to fly with a smaller wing area, increasing its maneuverability and structural integrity.

Testing and evaluation: Although the XF5U-1 project was promising, with the potential to reach speeds of up to 452 mph (727 km/h), it never entered serial production. Two prototypes were built, but the project was canceled in 1947 due to delays and budget overruns, as well as the introduction of jet aircraft into service. The only completed XF5U-1 was so solidly built that it had to be destroyed with a wrecking ball. The V-173 prototype was donated to the Smithsonian Museum.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.