The Vought XF6U Pirate first flew on 2 October 1946. The Pirate was conceptually a less advanced aeroplane, although it did provide its pilot with excellent fields of vision from a bubble canopy very close to the nose. This cockpit position was made possible by the use of wing-root inlets for the 3000-lb (1361-kg) thrust Westinghouse J34-WE-2 2 turbojet. Three XF6U-1 were built (33532 to 33534) of which one was fitted with afterburner in Apr 1948, the first USN aircraft so equipped.

 

Vought XF6U-1 33532

 

Additional power was provided later by the 4200-lb (1905-kg) thrust J34-WE-30A engine, and this improved performance to the level at which 30 production aircraft were ordered.

 

The thirty F6U-1 were 122478 to 122507, of which 122483 was modified as an F6U-1P.

 

It took 18 months for these to reach the navy, and in this time the pace of development had been such that more modern types such as the Grumman F9F Panther and McDonnell F2H Banshee were offering much improved performance.

 

Vought F6U-1

 

Engine: 1 x Westinghouse J34-WE-22

Wingspan: 32'10"

Length: 35'8"

Speed: 600 mph

Range: 730 mi

Ceiling: 49,000 ft