Douglas F-6A (F4D) Skyray

An important early Navy jet, the Douglas F-6A Skyray was the first carrier-based interceptor and used advanced engine and all-weather radar technology to show that carrier-based aircraft could intercept enemy bombers. Known as the F4D, or "Ford," before 1962, it set five time-to-height records and became the first naval fighter to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. In October 1953, an F4D became the first carrier-based aircraft to set world absolute speed records, reaching 753 mph over a 3-kilometer course and 728 mph over a 100-kilometer course. The Skyray served during the Cold War, when fears of a surprise Soviet attack were acute. Bureau Number 134764 served with the Naval Air Test Center's Flight Test Division from July 1957 to July 1958, then with several Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, before returning in November 1961 to NAS Patuxent River and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where it became the first of three F-6As used to demonstrate performance and flying qualities unique to delta wing aircraft. It was retired from Navy service in August 1966.

California, Maryland · United States