SW - Convair F2Y Sea Dart

In 1948, US Navy made a contest for a supersonic interceptor aircraft. There was much skepticism about operating supersonic aircraft from carrier decks at those times. Many supersonic designs of the time required long takeoff rolls, had high approach speeds, and were not very stable or easy to control—all factors that were troublesome on a carrier. Convair company proposed then a design of airplane based on their Delta Dagger modified to seaplane with water skis.
Convair's proposal gained an order for two prototypes in late 1951. Twelve production aircraft were ordered before a prototype had even flown. The aircraft was to be a delta-winged fighter with a watertight hull and twin retractable hydro-skis for takeoff and landing. When stationary or moving slowly in the water, the Sea Dart floated with the trailing edge of the wings touching the water. The skis were not extended until the aircraft reached about 10 miles (16 km) per hour during its takeoff run.
The aircraft was built in Convair's San Diego facility at Lindbergh Field and was taken to San Diego Bay for testing in December 1952. Its official maiden flight was on 9 April. The underpowered engines made the fighter sluggish, and the hydro-skis were not as successful as hoped. The second prototype was canceled, the first one crashed during next testing flight and its pilot died. Even before that, the Navy had been losing interest as the problems with supersonic fighters on carrier decks having been overcome. The airplane was relegated to experimental status and then canceled. The two final prototypes never flew.