Until a few years ago, this U.S. Navy carrier-based jet fighter—also capable as a fighter-bomber—sat exposed in the backyard of the Walter Soplata Aviation Collection in Newbury, Ohio, slowly succumbing to time, corrosion, and the elements. The aircraft, a Chance Vought F7U Cutlass originally acquired by Walter Soplata at a U.S. Navy auction in the early 1960s, was rescued in 2021 when it was transferred to the MAPS Air Museum in North Canton, Ohio. After several years in outdoor storage at the museum, the aircraft was moved into the restoration hangar in early 2025, where volunteers began the latest phase of work.
As previously reported, the Cutlass presented significant restoration challenges. Much of the aircraft incorporated “Metalite,” a composite material developed by Vought consisting of thin aluminum layers bonded to a balsa wood core. Over time, this material deteriorated extensively, particularly in the wings. To address this, volunteers developed a modern replacement using a more durable composite material, improving both structural integrity and long-term resilience.
Work continues to progress steadily. The outer wing panels have been rebuilt, while the fuselage—requiring more than a year of effort—is now largely complete. The nose landing gear has been repaired, and the aircraft’s paint scheme and markings are mostly finished. The cockpit is nearing completion, including work on the instrument panel and ejection seat, which is currently in primer, awaiting final finishing.
The remaining major tasks include restoration of the inner wing sections and the distinctive twin-boom structure supporting the vertical stabilizers. While the project remains ongoing, significant progress has been achieved. Additional efforts have focused on addressing structural and mechanical challenges throughout the airframe. The cockpit has been cleaned and repainted, with new side panels under construction. Volunteers have also tackled issues with the nose gear assembly, fabricating custom tooling to remove seized components. The fuselage has been patched, primed, and reassembled, including the aft section. With original attachment hardware no longer serviceable, a new mounting solution is being developed to secure the aft fuselage and afterburner nozzle section.
The Chance Vought F7U-3 Cutlass (BuNo 129685) entered service on September 24, 1954, and served with multiple units, including VF-81, VA-66, and VA-12, as well as Fleet Air Service Squadron (FASRON) detachments. It was struck from U.S. Navy records in 1962 before eventually becoming part of the Soplata Collection. Now at MAPS Air Museum, the aircraft remains the focus of an ongoing restoration effort that continues to preserve one of the most distinctive jet fighters of the early Cold War era. To support the MAPS Air Museum and its restoration efforts, click HERE.
