F4D-1 SKYRAY MODEL

F4D-1 Skyray is a carrier-based fighter built and manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company. It became notable for being the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the worlds absolute speed record and was the first US Navy fighter to exceed Mach 1 in level flight. The US Marine Corps also flew the Skyray.

The F4D-1 Skyray was designed for high-altitude interception role, though it was unsuited to the multi-mission capabilities that became in demand, so it had a short life in Navy and Marine Corps service. In 1964, the last aircraft was withdrawn from service. Four Skyrays were used by NACA (shortly it became NASA) until 1969. The F4D has a wide delta wing design with long, sharply swept, rounded wings. The F4D-1 has a crew of 1. It incorporates Pratt & Whitney J57-P-8A. It has a maximum speed of 722 mph and a range of 700 mi.

The primary users and operators of the F4D-1 were the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The Skyray was one of the best-remembeed early jet fighters and was affectionately called as the Ford. Theres a total of 422 F4D-1s built.