The only claim of fame of the Pirate was that it was the first production aircraft equipped with an afterburner.
RB, e-mail, 23.03.2021 03:39
It may've been a disappointment in person, just look at it! But how can we ignore 8,060 fpm initial clime rate by 1949?
jesseblenn@gmail.com, e-mail, 13.12.2020 00:51
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sells reprints/downloads of an excellent article on the aluminum and balsa wood sandwich construction used. They achieved useful strength much higher than that of the aluminum facing. Too bad it was underpowered, it could have opened more doors if it weren't.
Klaatu83, e-mail, 20.02.2017 19:32
One of the worst jet fighters ever built, a complete waste of the Navy's time and the taxpayers' money. Most of those produced went straight to the scrapheap. And for those who try to excuse this monstrosity by saying that it was an 'easy jet", bear in mind that this piece of rubbish was a contemporary of the McDonnell FH Phantom and North American American FJ Fury and Grumman F9F Panther, all of which were WAY better.
George, e-mail, 08.01.2016 09:59
The 564 MPH speed claimed is doubtful. Some sources claim the Pirate was only marginally faster than the propeller driven Corsair.
Stu Sammis, e-mail, 12.08.2010 21:26
Was underpowered as were most early jets. Airframe development far outpaced the available power plants.
rob combs, e-mail, 02.04.2010 23:45
aviation historian here; also flew in Vietnam; excellent post; thanks for sharing.
Patrick, e-mail, 14.05.2008 16:06
Lamest plane every you dummy made worst airplane book
