Since this has been added into the game, this suggestion should be closed.
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Kind of. Definitely something to be said for this still being a general discussion page for the way it has been implemented in-game, with R-2000-7 instead of R-2000-2(D)s and the the general odd handing of the aircraft.
Specifically it’s over-exaggerated loss of energy in turns and abysmal acceleration, partly due to the engines but partially because the flight model does not exactly match the intended “real world flight model” of the XF5U, it feels like it has wayyy to much drag, for something that was specifically designed as a very-low-aspect-ratio lifting body with two incredibly large propellers to generate speed and lift.
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According to the US Naval Institute article which was already referenced by this post, the two pilot XF5U would mount different engines:
Pilot 1 using R-2000-77 (most likely a typo) for flight testing
Pilot 2 using XR-2000-2 (or R-2000-2(D)) for static testing
The Vought XF5U-1 referenced with XR-2000-2 from “Index of Twin Wasp and R-2000 Designated Engines” most likely alluded to the XF5U-1 Pilot No. 2 (33959), if the US Naval Institute article above is to be trusted that the two planes would mount different engines as part of the F5U program, because the document did specify airplane installation.
The article itself referenced a public magazine called “Air Enthusiast, Vol. 4, No. 6, June 1973”. However I currently don’t have access to this magazine to verify the source.
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No - that is not a given at all - “lifting body” just means getting some lift from he body - it says nothing at all about how much lift is generated.
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oh nice thank you
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Before this suggestion is closed, I’d like to ask for your final attention on my recently updated bug report. I’ve gathered multiple sources confirming that the R-2000-7 engines are indeed rated at 1,350 hp at low altitudes. However, in-game, the aircraft is missing some horsepower when operating at WEP under those conditions. My bug report aims to address and correct this issue.
Bug report: XF5U-1 Engines Underperforming on WEP [Updated: 2025/11/10]
Me neither. That source sounds intriguing. I’ll keep my eyes open in case I come across it in person or on eBay, where a few copies already show up.
If it turns out to be true, it would be fantastic to see a second XF5U-1 in-game powered by the turbosupercharged XR-2000-2 engines and armed with four 20 mm cannons. That’s another dream to come true ;)
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I doubt there will ever be a second XF5U-1. Especially as a new substitute of DCT event plane.
yes
Doubt we will get a second variant, but It would be nice to get the XF5U-1 with the proper XR-2000-2 Engines and make it a bit more of a “realistic” vehicle. In terms of planned flight performance.
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Honestly, yeah, I shouldn’t hold out much hope for a second XF5U-1 or any change to the current powerplant or armament in-game.
Buffing engine power is one thing I can push for, but modifying the flight model or swapping engines isn’t :(
Realistically, the only changes we can hope for are an eventual BR decrease and possibly adding a weapons option to switch from M2 HMGs to 20mm cannons on the same airframe to compensate for its as-it-stands FM.
I suggest that one of you open a new discussion thread in Machinery of War (if not, I can open one) to push for switching the engines to the XR-2000-2s. Who knows, if it gains enough traction, the developers might reconsider and take a closer look at balancing the XF5U-1. That might be our only solid chance to push for it.
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That would be nice. The induced drag is wayyy too high imo. I heard depending on speed it was 5-10x that of the Mustang…. Plane notoriously with quite a bit of low speed induced drag. The XF5U-1 for its flaws has an okay LER (could be better).
But again that all ca be fixed by significantly lowering the induced drag, especially at low AoA). Idc if they lower the AoA some if it’s at least near the Mustang in induced drag…
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Im guessing thats the most probable path to making the XF5U-1 viable. I would LOVE for that plane to be able to reach some serious speed…
Such a beautiful plane.
For me, it’s the most meme-worthy aircraft I’ve ever seen; you can’t really do anything with it besides fly in a straight line.
As the XF5U-1 was implemented as part of update 2.49 Tusk Force,
Moved to Implemented Suggestions. o7
1 Like