Douglas F4D Skyray

The Douglas F4D Skyray, nicknamed “The Ford”, was a carrier‑based, twin‑engine jet interceptor developed for the United States Navy shortly after World War II. First flown on 20 February 1949, the prototype proved the viability of a delta‑wing configuration that offered excellent climb rate and high‑altitude performance. Entering service in 1956, the Skyray was the first U.S. Navy aircraft to exceed Mach 1 in level flight, and it earned the 1956 Collier Trophy for its groundbreaking design. Powered by a single Allison J71 turbo‑jet, the aircraft featured a 45‑degree swept delta wing, a bubble canopy that gave pilots an unobstructed view, and an internal weapons bay capable of carrying four 20 mm cannons and air‑to‑air missiles. Its sturdy airframe and powerful engine provided a climb to 40 000 feet in under three minutes, making it a formidable interceptor during the early Cold War. Although only 287 units were built before being replaced by more advanced supersonic fighters, the Skyray demonstrated the practical application of delta‑wing aerodynamics and set performance benchmarks that influenced later aircraft such as the F‑4 Phantom and the Convair F‑106. Its brief but impressive service cemented its place in aviation history as a pioneering supersonic Navy interceptor.

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