Vought F6U Pirate

The early jet fighter built for U.S. Navy carrier trials.

Overview

Vought United States ICAO: F6U 1948–1950

The Vought F6U Pirate was an early jet fighter developed for the U.S. Navy after World War II. First flown in the mid-1940s, it was designed for carrier operations. The aircraft faced performance limitations during testing.

Live Fleet Activity (F6U)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Westinghouse J34-WE-30A
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
4,224 lbf · 19 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
37 ft 7 in  ·  11.46 m
Tail height
12 ft 10 in  ·  3.90 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Wing span
32 ft 10 in  ·  10.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
12,900 lb  ·  5,850 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,300 lb  ·  600 kg
Fuel capacity
650 gal · 2,500 L · 2,000 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
518 kt  ·  596 mph  ·  959 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
107 kt  ·  123 mph  ·  198 km/h
Range
1,020 nm  ·  1,170 mi  ·  1,890 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
46,260 ft  ·  14,100 m
Rate of climb
8,060 ft/min  ·  41 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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XF6U-1 Pirate prototype in flight.

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Operational Context

Vought F6U Pirate — early carrier-based jet fighter

The F6U first flew in 1946 as one of the Navy’s initial jet fighter programs. It featured a straight wing and mid-mounted turbojet engine. The design reflected early experimentation with naval jet integration.

A single Westinghouse turbojet engine producing approximately 3,400 pounds of thrust (15 kN) powered the aircraft. Maximum speed approached 475 mph (765 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was around 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg).

The Pirate was produced in limited numbers but saw little operational use due to engine performance issues. It was quickly overshadowed by more capable naval jet fighters. The aircraft represents a transitional stage in early carrier jet development.