The Vought F7U Cutlass swept flying wing design had a large central nacelle and two substantial vertical tail surfaces. The first U.S. fighter designed from the start to use afterburners. Three prototype XF7U-1 (122472-122474) were built. The first flying on 29 September 1948.

 

Vought XF7U-1 122474

 

1950 production was 20 F7U-1 (124415-124434) as trainers.

 

Vought F7U-1 122474

 

S/ns 125322-125409 were assigned for F7U-2s, but production was cancelled.

After 14 F7U-1's, the Cutlass was in production for the U.S. Navy in 1951 as the F7U-3 interceptor and F7U-3P photo-reconnaissance aircraft with lengthened nose containing cameras. 288 F7U-3 (128451-128478 and 139868-139917 et al) were built, with a redesign, radar gunsight, four 20mm cannon; and two 4600 lb J46-WE-8A engines.

 

Vought F7U-3

 

Built in 1954 were the F7U-3M missile platform and F7U-3P photo-recon version.