1:48 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray
Item #61055

About the 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 deltawinged 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
1,211km/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
squadron 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 late 1950's.