The first U.S. Navy aircraft capable of supersonic speeds in level flight, the Douglas F4D Skyray set numerous world aircraft performance records.

Its origins trace back to German aircraft engineering experiments with delta wings that impressed U.S. designers. When the United States Navy started looking for a new fighter aircraft to operate from its carriers, Douglas Aircraft proposed the delta wing design.

The second prototype set a speed record when, on Oct. 3, 1953, it flew to 752.9 mph.  On May 22 - 23, 1958 a Douglas F4D Skyray piloted by USMC Maj. Edward LeFaivre set a total of five time-to-climb records including 49,212 feet in two minutes 36 seconds.

The aircraft was known for its fast climb, extreme maneuverability, high roll rate, and over all speed. Its shortcomings were a relatively short range without external fuel tanks, instability at transonic speeds, and a steep glide ratio. Adding to the general instability of the aircraft were landing gear which did not raise and lower simultaneously. This caused the aircraft to skid sideways when the landing gear were initially activated.

The Douglas F4D Skyray never saw combat, although one USN unit was assigned to the North American Air Defense Command for bomber interceptor duties.

It is said that before being retired, the aircraft were used at U.S. Navy Test Pilots School to demonstrate how unstable aircraft flew.

A total of 420 Douglas F4D Skyray aircraft were built before production ended in Dec. 1958. The last ones flew until the end of the 1960's.

Specifications
Primary Function:         Crew:         Engine:         Thrust:         Length:         Wingspan:         Weight Empty:         Max. Weight:         Cannons:         Missiles:         Ordnance:         Cruise Speed:         Max. Speed:         Climb Rate:         Ceiling:         Range:         First Flight:         Year Deployed:	interceptor one P&W J57 16,000 lbs. 33' 6" 45' 3" 16,024 lbs. 27,116 lbs. 4- 20 mm 2 sidewinder 4,000 lbs. 520 mph 720 mph 18,300 fpm 55,000 feet 1,200 miles 1/5/51 1956