Vought FU-1
Vought · United States · first flew 1926 · fighter
The Vought FU-1 was a single-seat biplane serving with the US Navy in the late 1920s in the fleet observation and fighter role, based on a lightened version of the UO-1 floatplane design.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.39 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat biplane observation-fighter for US Navy
- Wright J-4 Whirlwind in short-chord cowling
- Fixed tailskid undercarriage with spatted wheels
A compact single-seat biplane with a notably short fuselage, Wright Whirlwind radial, and spatted main wheels; similar to other Vought naval biplanes of the period but smaller than the O2U.
Specifications
- The Vought FU-1 has a length of 7.39 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.78 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 237 km/h (147 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Vought as a light single-seat fighter and observation type, the FU-1 served with the Navy Battle Fleet in modest numbers. It was powered by the Wright J-4 Whirlwind and represented Vought's early work on naval biplane design that would lead to more significant types like the O2U Corsair. Only a small number were built.
Variants
The FU-1 had no significant production sub-variants; a small batch was completed and served without major modification.
Where you'll see it
Operated by US Navy fleet observation squadrons in the late 1920s; retired as more capable types entered service.
Related aircraft
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