Description
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.
