The Navy wised up in 1949 and canceled an order for 88 F7U-2s in favor of the F7U-3. The -3 version of the troubled fighter boasted several improvements. But it still was underpowered, however.

Despite its Oldsmobile namesake, from 1953 to 1957, the Vought F7U Cutlass was an unconventionally designed jet known for its mechanical shortcomings.

The F7U made its maiden flight in 1948. For an aircraft that would lose a quarter of its rolling stock to accidents, many of them fatal, the Cutlass had a fairly trouble-free first few test flights.

Vought’s F7U Cutlass would ultimately serve for a paltry 8 years, retiring in 1959. Despite the aircraft’s advanced design, perhaps its greatest distinction was as one of the Navy’s ...