1/72 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray
Item #60741

Product Description

Douglas F4D-1 Skyray
Towards the end of World War II, many information about advanced
aeronautical technology were captured in Germany by the U.S.
Forces. One of them was an analysis of the studies carried out by
Dr. Alexander Lippisch on delta winged aircraft. Based upon the
information, the Douglas firm developed the F4D Skyray, the only
operational interceptor with delta wings in the U.S. Navy.
Starting the design in 1947, Douglas was awarded a contract for
the construction and testing of two prototypes in December 1948.
The first prototype took off on its maiden flight in January
1951. The second prototype flew shortly thereafter, and the
airframe set two new world records, absolute speed record of
1,211 km/h and 100km closed course record of 1,171km/h, in
October 1953. Having numerous improvements and refinements, the
first production F4D-1 made its maiden flight in June 1954 and
entered squadren service in April 1956. The distinctive 50 degree
sweptback wings with round tips were equipped with leading edge
slats and trailing edge elevons. A set of trimmers were installed
on the inboard trailing edges of the wings. The outer portions
of the wings could be folded upwards by oil pressure for carrier
stowage. Although the Skyray never saw any combat, it proved its
high capability as an interceptor with numerous world records and
scramble actions in Taiwan in response to crises in the late
1950's.

Suggested Paint Colors

AS-16 - Light Gray (USAF)
AS-20 - Insignia White (USN)
X-1 - Black
X-10 - Gun Metal
X-11 - Chrome Silver
X-18 - Semi Gloss Black
X-4 - Blue
X-7 - Red
XF-1 - Flat Black
XF-16 - Flat Aluminum
XF-2 - Flat White
XF-56 - Metallic Grey
XF-61 - Dark Green
XF-63 - German Grey