THE GROUNDHOG: The Navy's First Afterburner Fighter Had An Embarrassing Performance Problem

In the fall of 1945 two design teams, one at Vought, the other at North American Aviation were engaged in government contracts to create first generation jet fighters. Both were using wind tunnels to accurately model the likely performance of their fighters. Post-war cuts were already biting into military budgets. Exceptional performance would be needed to secure meaningful orders. Both manufacturers began to realise that their straight winged fighter prototypes were unlikely to have exceptional performance. The aerodynamic limitations of straight wings wedded to the limited thrust of early jet engines were a major impediment. The management at North American Aviation swallowed their brave pills and went with the swept wing. The result was the F-86 Sabre, the best fighter of its generation and one of the finest combat aircraft ever built. Vought decided to stick with what they knew. Their aircraft was the F6U Pirate. Its story is one of exceptional ingenuity, unflinching commitment, unbridled hope and, ultimately, ignominious failure. I hope you enjoy this video. The Pirate was in some ways only a couple of decisions away from greatness. But aren't we all?