Convair XFY Pogo
The Convair XFY-1 Pogo was an experimental V/STOL (vertical/short takeoff and landing) aircraft developed during the early years of the Cold War. It was intended to be a high-performance fighter aircraft capable of operating from small warships. Lockheed and Convair were awarded contracts to build experimental VTOL fighters, with Convair producing the XFY-1, also known as the "Pogo." It was developed as an attempt to create a practical V/STOL aircraft.
| XFY Pogo | |
|---|---|
| Role | Experimental VTOL fighter aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Convair |
| First flight | 19 April 1954 (tethered) 1 August 1954 (free flight) |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Produced | 1954 |
| Number built | 1 |
The XFY-1 featured a unique design with delta wings and three-bladed contra-rotating propellers powered by a turboprop engine. Test flights began in 1954, and the aircraft's capabilities were pushed to their limits. Challenges included difficulties in slowing down and landing at high speeds, as well as the need for highly skilled pilots due to its complex handling characteristics. Landing the XFY-1 was difficult, as the pilot had to look over his shoulder while carefully working the throttle to land.
Ultimately, technical and operational challenges, along with the superiority of jet-engined fighters, led to the project's suspension in 1955. The XFY-1 Pogo is now preserved in the National Air and Space Museum.