Results of the wind tunnel testing led to building a prototype to test the concept, and would be designated the V-173 and took on the names “Zimmer Skimmer”, “Flying Pancake” and “Flying ...

The Navy requested two prototypes, naming them the XF5U-1. Layout was similar to the V-173, but instead of using fabric covering, a material known as "Metalite" was used to cover the airframe.