During the mid-20th century, aviation engineers pursued radical designs that pushed the limits of aerodynamics. Among the most intriguing were aircraft that looked more like flying saucers than conventional planes. The Avrocar, Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake,” and Sack AS-6 were all ambitious projects that sought to revolutionize flight with disc-shaped designs. While none became operational military aircraft, they remain excellent examples of human ingenuity and experimentation.
The Avrocar: Canada’s Hovering Saucer
In the late 1950s, Canada’s Avro Aircraft developed the Avrocar, a circular aircraft designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter while flying at jet speeds. Funded by the U.S. military, the Avrocar was envisioned as a versatile battlefield vehicle that could hover, maneuver in tight spaces, and replace helicopters.
Using a central fan-like “turborotor” to create lift, the Avrocar was an early attempt at a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. However, the design suffered from stability issues, with the aircraft often wobbling uncontrollably at low altitudes. Flight tests revealed severe aerodynamic limitations, and the project was ultimately canceled in 1961.
Today, one of the two Avrocar prototypes is displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, showcasing this ambitious experiment in futuristic flight.
The Vought V-173: America’s “Flying Pancake”
Unlike the Avrocar’s VTOL aspirations, the Vought V-173, developed during World War II, was designed to improve aerodynamics. Nicknamed the “Flying Pancake” for its wide, flat, disc-like body, the V-173 was an attempt to create a highly maneuverable aircraft with short takeoff and landing capabilities.
The unique shape allowed for excellent lift and slow-speed control, making it ideal for carrier-based operations. The aircraft successfully completed multiple test flights, with pilots praising its handling. However, by the late 1940s, jet engines were becoming more popular, and the V-173 was abandoned.
One surviving V-173 is displayed at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia.
The Sack AS-6: A Mysterious German Experiment
The Sack AS-6 was an unusual German aircraft built during World War II. Unlike the other flying saucers, which were backed by major aviation firms, the AS-6 was a personal project by Arthur Sack, a farmer and aviation enthusiast.
Built in 1944, the AS-6 had a circular wing design that resembled a flying saucer, but its underpowered engine and crude construction made it largely ineffective. During test flights, the aircraft struggled to achieve stable flight and never became a serious military asset. Unlike the Avrocar and V-173, no remnants of the AS-6 survive, leaving its full potential a mystery.
Flight Innovations from an Unconventional Era
While these disc-shaped aircraft never reached full production, they contributed valuable insights into aerodynamics and experimental aviation. These real-life flying saucers may not have redefined air travel, but they remain great examples of how engineers once dreamed of taking to the skies in entirely new ways. See what’s left of these marvels during your next trip to Dayton, Ohio, or the Smithsonian in Virginia.
