Vought F7u Cutlass: A Developmental History

Innovatively designed, this naval aircraft marked several milestones, including being the first swept wing jet fighter to operate from a carrier and the first tailless U.S. Naval jet. Despite its versatility and contributions to naval aviation, the F7U Cutlass faced criticism due to the unreliability of its turbojets. Often referred to as the "Gutless Cutlass" and "Widow Maker," its legacy is explored in detail, with a comprehensive account of its evolution into the F7U-3 variants, complemented by photographs and line schemes that illustrate its historical significance.