|
|
Under the designation Lockheed XFV-1, the company completed and flew the first of two prototypes of a single-seat VTOL research aircraft. Powered by a 4362kW Allison XT40-pA-6 turboprop engine, the Salmon was one of a number of tail-sitter designs originated in the early 1950s. Basically, the aircraft was a conventional mid-wing monoplane without normal landing gear. The tail had equal-span cruciform surfaces each incorporating a shock-strut and castoring wheel, and the aircraft was intended to
stand vertically on its tail unit for take-off and landing. However, as the 5294kW T54-A-3 engine intended for the proposed XFV-2 VTOL fighter derivative did not materialise, the XFV-1 was fitted with a temporary conventional undercarriage and operated from this until the whole programme was cancelled in June 1955 and construction of the second prototype abandoned. Span was 9.40m, maximum take-off weight 7358kg and maximum speed estimated at 933km/h.
 | A three-view drawing (1278 x 846) |
| andy durtnall, alinc(@)telusplanet.net, 15.02.2009 Dear sir, I have the same question that Mark has about the history of the XFV-1 at the museum at Lakehead Florida also. To my knowledge, there were only 2 prototypes built. One flew about 32 times and had a fusalage number 657. The other, which didn't fly, was incompleted at the time the project was cancelled but apparently is the gate guardian at NAS Los Alamitos CA. My question is: is the airframe at the Lakehead museum actually fusalage number 657 (renumbered to 658) or is it the second prototype that never flew? If it is the one that flew, why was the fusalage number changed to 658? I'm currently building a scale model of the Lakehead XFV-1 and would really like to know it's history. Thanks, Andy. | | mark meehan, mjm313_99(@)yahoo.com, 02.10.2008 This aircraft is located at Lakeland FL where the EAA chapter has its facilities. However, it is painted with the number 658 on its fuselage. Could this be the 2nd prototype which was abandoned? |
|
Do you have any comments about this aircraft ?
|
| |
