Owner - Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Background - One of the most interesting aircraft ever built, and certainly the most unique produced by Vought, the V-173 was loaned to Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation (VAHF) for restoration by the National Air & Space Museum (NASM) after negotiations were concluded in 2003. The V-173 was a flight test prototype for the XF5-U1, a high speed Navy fighter aircraft developed in the 1940s that was capable very low speed flight and short take off and landing distance. The XF5-U1 contract was cancelled in 1947 just before its first flight.

The V-173 aircraft has two 80 HP inboard mounted engines driving the outboard located 16 feet diameter propellers through cross shafting and 90° gearboxes.

The V-173 aircraft was built under a 1940 Navy contract and made its first flight on November 23, 1942. Test flights continued until 1947, for a total of 131 flight hours. The aircraft was put into storage in 1949 at the Norfolk, Virginia Naval Air Station where it spent part of the time parked outside in the weather.  In 1961 it was transferred to indoor storage at a NASM facility in Silver Hill, Maryland.

Arrival and Restoration

Current Status