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Flying Flapjack Program

One of the more unusual models we used to sell was the Monogram (way before Revell acquired them) Flying Flapjack. What was more unusual was that Monogram sent us a working factory-built display model of it. You’d install a battery, flip a switch, and the wings would flap. It looked very much like a stork trying to take off. For years, I thought it was some sort of ‘joke’ model conceived by some insanely creative minds.

flying pancake

 

I’d forgotten all about that model until Shane Trosclair brought in one model he recently finished: the Flying Pancake manufactured by Sword Models. Shane’s version came with a resin cockpit and he painted it Chrome and Yellow.

This was part of the Navy’s Flying Flapjack program. The Vought XF5U “Flying Flapjack” wasn’t too successful. The Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake, which was a lighter version flew from 1942 to 1947. Charles Lindberg was one of the test pilots.

 

flying flapjack program

 

It also caused quite uproar as the folks who saw it flying thought it was a saucer from Outer Space. It’s on display at an air museum in Dallas.

 

Photos by Jeff Junker

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