F4D Skyray

The Douglas F4D Skyray was a carrier-based fighter built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Although it was in service for a very short time and never fired a shot in anger, it was notable for being the first carrier-launched plane to hold the world's absolute speed record and was the first Navy fighter capable of exceeding Mach 1 in level flight. It was also distinguished in being used by the only Navy Squadron (VFAW-3) assigned to the North American Air Defense Command. VFAW-3 was permanently based at NAS North Island, San Diego. Its unique and notable looks also played a part in making the Skyray one of the best-remembered early jet fighters. Affectionately known as the "Ford", this aircraft had a spectacular rate and angle of climb and set new time to altitude records.

Related Topics:
Carrier - Fighter - Douglas Aircraft Company - Navy - Mach - North American Air Defense Command - NAS North Island - San Diego - Jet

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Later designated F-6 in the unified designation scheme, the Skyray's almost delta-winged planform was inspired by Alexander Lippisch's work in Germany during World War II. The Skyray was a tailless design with long, sharply swept, rounded wings. The thick wing roots contained the air intakes feeding a single turbojet. Fuel was contained both in the wings and the deep fuselage. Leading-edge slats were fitted for increased lift during takeoff and landing, while the trailing edges were mostly elevon control surfaces. Additional pitch trimmers were fitted inboard near the jet exhaust, and were locked upward on takeoff and landing.

Related Topics:
F-6 - Alexander Lippisch - World War II - Turbojet - Slat - Elevon

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Originally built for the Westinghouse J40 turbojet, the Douglas designers fortunately took a conservative view and gave space for other powerplants. The J40 proved troublesome and was eventually cancelled, and the Skyray was fitted instead with the Pratt & Whitney J57, a more powerful but larger engine.

Related Topics:
Westinghouse J40 - Pratt & Whitney J57

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Production aircraft were not delivered until early 1956, while the U.S. Marine Corps received their first in 1957. In total, 419 F4D-1 aircraft were produced.

Related Topics:
1956 - U.S. Marine Corps - 1957

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The Skyray was designed exclusively for the high-altitude interception role and was unsuited to the multi-mission capabilities soon in demand, so it had a short life in Navy and Marine Corps service, the last planes being withdrawn from service in 1964. A single aircraft was used by NACA (soon to be NASA) until 1969.

Related Topics:
1964 - NACA - NASA - 1969

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A derived successor, the F5D Skylancer, was designed and prototypes were built, but it was cancelled as too similar in mission parameters to the Vought F8U Crusader and also to reduce dependence upon Douglas Aircraft, which was also producing several other aircraft for the U. S. Navy.

Related Topics:
F5D Skylancer - F8U Crusader

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