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
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.