#11
|
|||
|
|||
F7U-3M Cutlass VX-4 Evaluation Squadron - Strike 3
The Cutlass F7U-3 was the standard version of the navy which went into service in mid 1954
after project cutlass with VF-24. However the definitive version was the 3M which had some changes. Two integral fuel tanks were added inside the wings 200 galon each wing - 400 total. APQ-51 radar that worked together with the 4 first generation sparrow beam riding missiles. These missiles were good only against targets that had a limited maneuverability and there is a short movie in youtube from 1956 that shows how the sparrow had a direct hit in a radio controlled B-17 that served as a drone. Now VX-4 was a special squadron that evaluated new weapons. The sparrow missile was first operational in 1956 with VA -83 Cutlass squadron that was sent to the Mediterranean sea with the 6th fleet of the navy. The regular Cutlass squadron had 12 Cutlasses while a VX-4 usually operated 4 Cutlasses. The VX-4 were testing and evaluating the new weapon and recommended how to use it for the getting best results.Every Cutlass pilot of the 3M had to fire the missile twice at least in order to be familiar with the system. Last VX -4 deployment with the Cutlass was in mid 1957 with Shangri la carrier. After returning to the states VX-4 received the Fury FJ-4B with the bullpap missile and again checked and evaluated the new weapon. The F7U-3M model here has the VX-4 scheme and the small yellow stars in the tail and rear part of the Canopy. I attach here close up photos of the VX-4 Cutlass. Yair |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
F7u-3M Cutlass VX-4 Images
The Cutlass was the most radical plane ever to get into service with the NAVY.
A small glance will explain why - the two rudders plane reminds more recent planes as the F-14 than it's rivals at the time ! Yair |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
F7u-3M The big Promice and reality
The Cutlass was in many ways a unique plane and had many firsts with the navy:
first plane to release loads at super sonic speed first to carry load of 5000 lb first with 2 after burners first with hydraulic system of 3000psi first to carry 4 radar sparrow missiles with VA-83 deployment to Mediterranean sea with the 6th fleet in 1956 top speed of mach 0.94 in level flight 15000 feet per min initial climb rate Look was futuristic compare to other types So, what went wrong ? The J46 of Westinghouse along with the J40 were both expected to give the Cutlass , Demon f3h and F4D Skyray top performance. In reality these engines were a big failure and Westinghouse went out of engine manufacturing as a consequence. The Demon adapted the J71 engine instead The Skyray adapted the J57 engine instead The cutlass had to stay with the J46 because the frame that was designed for two engines couldn't get another engine at the time. The J46 was expected to deliver a thrust of 10000 lb in afterburner- something that could have made the Cutlass one of the most formidable planes of the mid 50's. In reality the power was de-rated to 6000 lb in order to avoid too frequent replacements of engines due to low MTBF ( mean time between failure). The development of the f7u-3 was very complicated due to all the new features added to the design. The Cutlass was without doubt the most advanced design at the time sharing no resemblance to any other fighter of the time. In the next chapter I will describe the service with the navy of this unique aircraft and it's 3 versions. In the images here I added the photo version with elongated nose in plastic model of 1:72. Yair |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
F7u-3M - The big Promise and reality
The Cutlass was in many ways a unique plane and had many firsts with the navy:
first plane to release loads at super sonic speed first to carry load of 5000 lb first with 2 after burners first with hydraulic system of 3000psi first to carry 4 radar sparrow missiles with VA-83 deployment to Mediterranean sea with the 6th fleet in 1956 top speed of mach 0.94 in level flight 15000 feet per min initial climb rate Look was futuristic compare to other types So, what went wrong ? The J46 of Westinghouse along with the J40 were both expected to give the Cutlass , Demon f3h and F4D Skyray top performance. In reality these engines were a big failure and Westinghouse went out of engine manufacturing as a consequence. The Demon adapted the J71 engine instead The Skyray adapted the J57 engine instead The cutlass had to stay with the J46 because the frame that was designed for two engines couldn't get another engine at the time. The J46 was expected to deliver a thrust of 10000 lb in afterburner- something that could have made the Cutlass one of the most formidable planes of the mid 50's. In reality the power was de-rated to 6000 lb in order to avoid too frequent replacements of engines due to low MTBF ( mean time between failure). The development of the f7u-3 was very complicated due to all the new features added to the design. The Cutlass was without doubt the most advanced design at the time sharing no resemblance to any other fighter of the time. Yair |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Dear all sorry for twice sending the post please read only the second post !
|
Google Adsense |
#16
|
|||
|
|||
F7u-3M Cutlass VX-4 Images - Some more images
Some more images of this naval aircraft - a departure from normality !
Yair |
#17
|
|||
|
|||
F9F-8 Cougar - Strike 4
The Cougar was a natural continuing for the Panther. The Grumman designers used the same body while modifying the swept wings and tail surfaces.
The result was the dash 6 which was a fine fighter with modest performance The Cougar had a relatively slow acceleration ,rate of climb and barely 0.9 mach top speed. The dash 8. had larger wings and was only slightly better and both versions were phased out from service at the late fifties as other newer types came into service. There was also a photo reconnaissance version with an elongated nose for the camera's. The only exception was the trainer version that stayed in service until 1974. Yair |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
F-9F-8 Cougar images
The Cougar was the main mid 1950's NAVY fighter and the dash 8 was adapted to carry sidewinders heat seaking missiles .
The model here is from Geli models in 1:48 scale. Yair |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
Great work, always look forward to your posts!
Where can I get a copy of the F4 Phantom? |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
Love the cutlass and skyway, where can I get a copy?
|
Google Adsense |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|