XFY-1 Convair Pogo Vertical Takeoff 'Tail Sitter"

Vertical landing and takeoff have long been a dream of aviation designers and have presented considerable challenge. It requires an immense amount of power to get off the ground without the benefit of wings, and it was only in the years after World War II that powerful enough engines became available.

It was then that some truly strange aircraft took to the skies, most notable the Convair XFY-1 "Pogo." The XFY-1 was a "tail-sitter," using the most powerful turboprop available in the Western world.

The U.S.Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics in 1951, after having ordered two prototypes of the revolutionary supersonic XF2Y-l seaplane, issued to Convair a Request for proposals for a single-seat vertical take-off and landing fighter which could be used to escort convoys, based on cargo vessels which did not have flight decks. The U.S.Navy accepted Convair's submission and in March 1951 ordered the XFY-I as well as placing an order for Lockheed's project, which was designated XFV-1.

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Purchase Information $3.95 There are 4 pages plus instructions for the large size that's 7 inches in span. There's also a 'regular size' Back to Weird Aircraft

What people say... Looks like another seemingly difficult subject has been brought to it's knees, i.e. easy to build. Now the Triebflugel and Natter have some company. :-) Congratulations and high-fives!...TR This Pogo is well, Weird!! I love it!....George R. The Pogo is amazing. I love all the facts on your intruction and model pages. It is really great to be able to do something fun and educational with the kids. You guys are the best!...Peter H. The improved layout of the propellers -first seen on the B-17 - continues. It works wonderfully. I made a spacer the same size as the propeller hub from cardboard with notches cut in it for the ends of flat toothpicks to serve as stiffeners for the blades. Slow work making them, but it does the job. John T Oh boy! Oh boy! I am bouncing up and down over the pogo.H-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m....nice visual. Hope I don't whack my head onthe ceiling like the last time. fp Dear Fiddlers Green, While looking up a date on the XFY-1 Convair "Pogo" I saw that you had a "picture" of the Allison turboprop engine. Actually what you have is not an Allison engine, nor a T-40 as used in the aircraft. Otherwise it is a great article! Dave Newill, President, Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Allison Branch, Inc. (all fixed Dave Thanks!)

Pogo Videos
Pogo Taking Off | Transition to Vertical | Pogo Landing