XFY Pogo
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NOTE: THE RC XFY POGO MAY BE FOUND ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Horsepower:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cannons:
Rockets:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First flight tethered:
First flight untethered:
Year Retired:
experimental
one
Allison turboprop
5,500 hp.
11,700 lbs.
16,250 lbs.
4- 20 mm.
48 - 70 mm.
35' 0"
27' 8"
300 mph
610 mph
8,000 fpm
43,600 feet
400 miles
4/29/54
11/2/54
1956
The idea for the XFY Pogo was formulated after WW II for an aircraft that could take off and land vertically on ships at sea, with horizontal flight comparable to
conventional fighter aircraft. By mid 1951 the Navy contracted with Convair for such an aircraft.
In 1954 Convair produced a single prototype aircraft. To lift its weight vertically, it was powered by
an engine that produced more thrust than the overall weight of the aircraft. The engine turned a pair 16 foot diameter, three bladed
propellers. These rotated in opposite directions in order to offset torque. The XFY Pogo was the first aircraft of its type ever produced.
Initial tests of the XFY Pogo were made inside a huge hangar, with the aircraft tethered so as not to fall during loss of control. After some sixty hours of tethered test
flights, the aircraft was moved outside. Its first untethered flight was made on November 2, 1954.
XFY Pogo after a test flight.
The flight of the XFY Pogo included a transition from vertical takeoff to conventional horizontal flight and revealed a
number of issues. Due to its clean configuration without spoilers or speed brakes the XFY Pogo was difficult to fly slowly in the
horizontal mode. Eventually flights were made to an altitude of about 10,000 feet at speeds of over 300 mph.
Landing technique for the aircraft was to make a low approach over the field with the throttle at flight-idle setting. At the landing area the aircraft was pulled up
into vertical flight. Just before the aircraft was ready to stall, power was applied to enable the aircraft to land vertically.
Exceptional coordination of all control axis, which included large inputs, were necessary to bring the aircraft down in the landing area without
any damage. The pilot's seat could be angled up to 45 degrees to provide comfort and a better view of the ground while landing.
In order to control the rate of descent, a radar altimeter was installed on the aircraft with an indicator
mounted on its left wing tip, visible to the pilot. A series of colored lights indicated the vertical speed of the aircraft.
Difficulties in handling the aircraft, especially during landings, plus the advent of jet powered aircraft with greater speed, brought an end to the project in August of 1956.
RC XFY Pogo from Telink.
The rc XFY Pogo from Telink, Czechslovakia, has a wingspan of 23 1/4" and is 27 3/4" long. It can be powered by a 450 size outrunner motor. Weight of the profile foamy is around 10 1/2 oz. You can find a comprehensive review of the Telink rc XFY in RC Groups.
Convair XFY Pogo
