| rdfs:comment | - The Douglas F4D Skyray (later redesignated F-6 Skyray) was an American carrier-based supersonic fighter/interceptor built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Although it was in service for a relatively short time and never entered combat, it was notable for being the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world's absolute speed record, at 752.943 mph, and was the first United States Navy and United States Marine Corps fighter that could exceed Mach 1 in level flight. It was the last fighter produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company before it merged with McDonnell Aircraft and became McDonnell Douglas. The F5D Skylancer was an advanced development of the F4D Skyray that did not go into service.
- Inspired by US Navy interest in German delta wing research during World War II, the F4D was developed from design studies conducted by Douglas Aircraft under the designation D-571, which were conducted in response to a request from the US Navy for a new delta wing interceptor with outstanding climb qualities. This led to a Navy requirement for a high-altitude fighter/interceptor issued in 1947, which led to the issuing of a
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| abstract | - Inspired by US Navy interest in German delta wing research during World War II, the F4D was developed from design studies conducted by Douglas Aircraft under the designation D-571, which were conducted in response to a request from the US Navy for a new delta wing interceptor with outstanding climb qualities. This led to a Navy requirement for a high-altitude fighter/interceptor issued in 1947, which led to the issuing of a development contract to Douglas. Two XF4D-1 prototypes were ordered on 16th December 1948, with the first of these flying on January 23rd, 1951. This was fitted with a 5,000 lb st (22.24 kN) Alison J35-A-17 turbojet, due to delays with the intended Westinghouse J40. Both prototypes were later fitted with the XJ40-WE-6, before problems with the entire J40 programme resulted in production aircraft being fitted with the Pratt & Whitney J57. An initial batch of 12 was ordered in February 1951, followed by an order for 230 aircraft in April 1952, these aircraft being fitted with the J57 following the decision to switch engine type in March 1953. The aircraft eventually entered service in 1956. The Skyray only served with the US Navy and Marine Corps, and saw no actual combat. However, it did set several records, including being the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world speed record (752.9 mph), and setting a time to altitude record (standing start to 49,221 ft (15,000 m) in 2 minutes and 36 seconds, all while flying at a 70° pitch angle). The aircraft was also developed into the F5D Skylancer. Unfortunately, the F4D had a short service life, being retired in 1964 due to its inability to fulfill the multi-purpose role beginning to be required by naval aircraft.
- The Douglas F4D Skyray (later redesignated F-6 Skyray) was an American carrier-based supersonic fighter/interceptor built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Although it was in service for a relatively short time and never entered combat, it was notable for being the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world's absolute speed record, at 752.943 mph, and was the first United States Navy and United States Marine Corps fighter that could exceed Mach 1 in level flight. It was the last fighter produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company before it merged with McDonnell Aircraft and became McDonnell Douglas. The F5D Skylancer was an advanced development of the F4D Skyray that did not go into service.
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