XF5U FLYING FLAPJACK
One of the most unusual aircraft ever designed for the U.S. Navy was the Chance Vought V-173, also known as the Zimmerman "Flying Pancake". It was a prototype "proof of concept" aircraft that lacked wings, instead relying on its flat circular body to provide the lifting surface. This multi-million dollar project nearly became the first V/STOL (vertical takeoff and landing) fighter. The V-173 blueprints were shown to the Navy in 1939, with wind tunnel tests on full scale models being done in 1940-41. In January 1942 BuAer requested the proposal for two prototype airplanes of an experimental version of the V-173, known as the VS-135. This version had more powerful engines and was given the military designation XF5U-1. Flight testing of the V-173 went on through 1942 and 1943, resulting in reports of "flying saucers" from surprised Connecticut locals. Mock-ups of the XF5U-1 were done in the summer of 1943, but due to Vought's preoccupation with the Corsair and Kingfisher, the program proceeded slowly during the war. The arrival of the jet age saw the cancellation of the XF5U-1 contract by the Navy in March 1947, despite the fact that the aircraft was due to take its first test flight later that year. The XF5U-1 prototype was scrapped, though the V-173 prototype was saved and was given to the Smithsonian. To this day the V-173 / XF5U-1 project remains one of the more interesting anecdotes in aviation history.
This is part of a series of 23 caches dedicated to the American Aircraft of WWII. Each cache is dedicated to a particular aircraft model and can be logged as an individual find. The series consists of 16 regular caches and 7 mystery caches. The series will be divided into 5 sub-series, one for each category of aircraft (Fighters, Bombers, Seaplanes, and X-series Prototypes) and a final series consisting of three of the most recognizable aircraft of WWII. (P51 Mustang, B17 Flying Fortress and B29 Super Fortress).
This cache is part of the X-SERIES PROTOTYPES sub-series. The log contains a code used to find the final of this sub-series: American WWII Aircraft-X-SERIES PROTOTYPES (GC1D44Z).
X-SERIES PROTOTYPES = N40 48.XB35/XF5U W07435.XB36/XB42
Stealth is required. GZ is directly trailside.
This cache is located along a portion of the Randolph Trails. These trails are well maintained and easy to walk. Trail maps are readily available at most of the trail heads. Randolph’s trail system runs a 16-mile course traversing five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir Watershed and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link together schools with neighborhoods and connect to Patriots’ Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside. Randolph’s trails should be viewed as a work in progress as the township continues to pursue easements and funding to expand our trail network. The township funds 90% of design and construction costs through state grants and developer contributions. Over $1.5 million in state grants and developer contributions has been invested in Randolph’s trails. Open year round, the trails can be used from dawn to dusk and are closed at night. During the winter months, there is no snow or ice removal, providing a wonderful opportunity for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.