F7U was an unusual design (cf F35 thanks to the USMC's S/VTOL requirements), and its development period was quite lengthy for its time (though nothing compared

F7U was an unusual design (cf F35 thanks to the USMC's S/VTOL requirements), and its development period was quite lengthy for its time (though nothing compared to some programs these days including the F35). The F-9F first flew less than a year earlier and was already serving in Korea in 1950, the F-7U finally made its carrier deployment in 1955 and it didn't stay in service for that long afterwards. I'd point out similarities to teething problems with the F-35 -- the first time the USMC deployed it, didn't they find that the exhaust would damage deck plating, which subsequently had to be strengthened? Didn't happen when Harriers are taking off and landing...