F7U-3 #129599, D-410 VF 124, USS Hancock ca. 1955

The Vought F7U Cutlass was a carrier-based jet fighter and fighter-bomber of the early Cold War era. It was a highly unusual, semi-tailless design, allegedly based on aerodynamic data and plans captured from the German Arado company at the end of World War II, though Vought designers denied any link to the German research at the time. The F7U was the last aircraft designed by Rex Beisel, who was responsible for the first fighter ever designed specifically for the U.S. Navy, the Curtiss TS-1 of 1922. 320 of these advanced single-seat carrier-borne fighters were produced in total. Regarded as a radical departure from traditional aircraft design, the Cutlass suffered from numerous technical and handling problems throughout its short service career. The type was responsible for the deaths of four test pilots and 21 other U.S. Navy pilots. Over one quarter of all Cutlasses built were destroyed in accidents. The poor safety record was largely the result of the advanced design built to apply new aerodynamic theories, insufficient thrust and unreliable engines. Naval aviators called the F7U the "Gutless Cutlass" and/or the "Ensign Eliminator" or, in kinder moments, the "Praying Mantis".

Few squadrons made deployments with the type, and most "beached" them ashore during part of the cruise owing to operating difficulties. VF-124 was the first to deploy with Carrier Air Group 12 (CVG-12) on USS Hancock (CV-19) August 1955 – March 1956. F7U-3 Cutlass s/n#129599 was struck off charge at NAF Litchfield Park, AZ on 5/1/1958.