Warplanes of the USA: Convair XFY-1 Pogo

Convair XFY-1 Pogo

(USN Photo)

The Convair XFY-1 Pogo is an experimental V/STOL (vertical/short takeoff and landing) aircraft developed during the early years of the Cold War.[1] 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.

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. (Wikipedia)

(USN Photo)

The Convair XFY-1 Pogo VTOL experimental plane in flight over San Diego, California (USA), c1954.

(USN Photo)

Convair XFY-1 Pogo (BuNo. 138649), C/N 2. 1st take-off/transition-landing, 2 Nov 1954.

(USN Photo)

Convair XFY-1 Pogo (BuNo. 138649), C/N 2. 1st take-off/transition-landing, 2 Nov 1954.

(USN Photo)

The Convair XFY-1 experimental STOL aircraft on its launching cart in 1954.

(Bill Larkins Photos)

The Convair XFY-1 experimental STOL aircraft on its launching cart at NAS Miramar in August 1957..

(USN Photo)

The XFY-1's pilot entering the aircraft via a ladder, c1954.

(USN Photo)

Test Pilot J.F. (Skeets) Coleman, gives flight demonstration of Convair, XFY-1 “Pogo Stick” for members of the press at Brown Field, near San Diego, California, 4 Nov 1954. Using an extension cord from an instrument in the background, a crewmember maintains radio communications with pilot as he readies the XFT-1 for takeoff.