The F7U Cutlass was a radical departure from conventional aircraft design when it first flew in September 1948. While it featured twin vertical fins mounted on its swept wings, it completely lacked a traditional, horizontal stabilizer and elevator assembly; therefore, it is considered a tailless aircraft. Not only was it the first tailless production fighter built in the United States, it was also the Navy’s first jet fighter with swept wings. Early versions set records, including the first naval aircraft to reach supersonic flight, but fell short of the Navy’s performance requirements and was withdrawn from production. After extensive modification, the definitive F7U-3 version emerged. The Cutlass was plagued throughout its service life by underpowered engines and an unreliable hydraulic system, problems that led to a high accident rate and its unflattering nicknames.
Aircraft Specifications
Physical Description
All-metal, tailless aircraft with swept wings mounted high on the fuselage, twin jet engines housed side-by-side in the fuselage, and a distinctively tall nose landing gear.
Crew: 1
Length: 44 ft 3 in
Wingspan: 38 ft 8 in
Height: 14 ft 7 in
Weight (empty / max takeoff): 18,210 lbs / 31,642 lbs
Powerplant: Two Westinghouse J46-WE-8A turbojet engines, 4,600 lbs of thrust each
Maximum speed: 680 mph
Range: 660 miles
Service ceiling: 40,000 ft
Weapons
Armament: Four 20 mm M2 cannons.
Could also be equipped with four Sparrow I air-to-air missiles.
Key Accomplishments
Set multiple firsts for U.S. naval aviation: the first naval aircraft to achieve supersonic flight, the first to release bombs at supersonic speed, and the first tailless production fighter built in the United States.
In 1952, the Blue Angels squadron transiently flew the Cutlass, but flight demonstrations were discontinued for safety concerns.
This aircraft (Bureau #129642) flew only 326 hours in active service — a short operational life that reflects the type’s troubled service history — yet served with two Marine Corps fighter squadrons and one attack squadron before its retirement.
Build Date
September 1954
Manufacturer
Chance Vought Aircraft
Dates of Service
1954 – 1957
Country of Origin
United States
Inventory Number
Bureau #129642
Credit
On loan from The National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of the Navy History and Heritage Command.
Display Status
This aircraft entered service in September 1954 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Despite its brief operational career, it served with two Marine Corps fighter squadrons and one attack squadron. In May 1957, the aircraft flew to Willow Grove for an airshow, after which the Navy retired it for use as a ground training aircraft. The Museum acquired the aircraft in the early 1960s and placed it on display. In 2009, it was removed from display due to ongoing deterioration and currently awaits a major planned restoration.
Status: Not currently on display; awaiting restoration.
