Douglas F4D-1
Douglas F4D-1 (F-6A) Skyray
The Skyray was first proposed in 1947 as an attempt to make use of information on delta-wing designs captured from Germany at the end of World War II. Problems with engine development delayed the first flight until 1951, but the aircraft proved to be very successful once it was in service. In 1953, a F4D-1 broke the world absolute speed record with an average speed of 752.944 miles-per-hour. It was also the first Navy aircraft to be capable of flying at Mach 1 in level flight. The Skyray entered operational service in 1956 and served until 1964. A total of 420 were built.
| Wingspan | 33 ft 6 in. |
Wingspan |
| Length | 45 ft 8 in. |
Length |
| Height | 13 ft |
Height |
| Weight | 25,000 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 695 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 55,000 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 700 miles |
Range |
| Engines | One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-2 turbojet with 10,500 pounds of thrust |
Engine |
| Crew | 1 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Douglas
Markings
Douglas Aircraft Testing Division, 1961
Serial Number
134748
Designation
F4D-1