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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.

Length

45 ft 8 in.

Height

13 ft

Weight

25,000 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

695 MPH

Service Ceiling

55,000 ft

Range

700 miles

Engine

One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-2 turbojet with 10,500 pounds of thrust

Crew

1

Manufacturer
Douglas

Markings
Douglas Aircraft Testing Division, 1961

Serial Number
134748

Designation
F4D-1