Seaplanes (aircraft that use some form of pontoon rather than wheels) have played a major role in the development of aircraft. Waterborne craft were developed by many nations in the early years of flight because harbors were readily available and accessible as compared to airfields. Flying boats pioneered most international airline operations through the 1930s. The U.S. Navy relied heavily on them from 1911 through the Second World War and beyond. During the Vietnam war, for example, Martin P5M flying boats were used extensively for coastal and shipping patrols.

On 19 January 1951, Convair received an order from the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics to develop two XF2Y-1 aircraft to be equipped with twin hydroskis (the twin hydroskis were "planing" skis and derived lift the same as a person using water skis. They were not skis that provided lift in the same manner as hydrofoils.). They were to be prototypes of a definitive water-based, single-seat, afterburning supersonic interceptor/fighter. This action resulted in an experimental test program that began in December 1952 and continued through 1957. A total of five aircraft, dubbed Seadart, were built. Only three ever flew. The last two were completed except for engine installation.

This Seadart is the first built and the first ever flown.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

1952

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Convair

Physical Description

Prototype: Single-seat, twin-engine, delta-wing, afterburner equipped, supersonic, seaplane, jet fighter.

Dimensions

Overall: 518.16 x 1558.29cm, 9979.1kg, 1026.16cm (17ft x 51ft 1 1/2in., 22000lb., 33ft 8in.)

Inventory Number

A19730275000

Credit Line

Transferred from the United States Navy

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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