Sixty-five years ago next month, the USN/Douglas XF4D-1 Skyray fighter flew for the first time at Edwards Air Force Base in California with Douglas' test pilot Robert O. Rhan at the controls of the single-engine, carrier-based, supersonic-capable aircraft.
The Douglas XF4D-1 was the prototype version of the United States Navy’s F4D-1 Skyray. Designed to intercept adversary aircraft at 50,000 feet within 300 seconds of take-off, development of the Skyray began in the late 1940’s. As an aside, the Skyray nickname derived from the type’s large delta wing which gave it the appearance of a Manta ray.
The Skyray was originally designed to be powered by a Westinghouse XJ40-WE-6 turbojet capable of 7,000 lbs of sea level thrust. However, when significant developmental problems were encountered with that power plant, Douglas substituted an Allison J35-A-17 turbojet to support early flight testing of the XF4D-1. With a maximum sea level thrust of 5,000 lbs, the J35 rendered these early airframes significantly underpowered.
Extensive flight testing of the Skyray, including carrier trials, continued through 1955. The Westinghouse XJ40-WE-8 appeared on the scene during this time. Rated at 11,600 lbs of sea level thrust in afterburner, this power plant allowed the Skyray to establish several speed records in California during October of 1953. Specifically, a speed of 752.944 mph was registered within a 3-kilometer course over the Salton Sea followed by 100-kilometer closed course mark of 728.11 mph at Edwards AFB. Unfortunately, the XJ40 would prove to be very temperamental and unreliable so the service eventually opted to fit production aircraft with the Pratt and Whitney J57-P-8 turbojet (10,200 lbs of sea level thrust).
The Douglas F4D-1 Skyray went on to serve with the United States Navy and Marines from 1956 through 1964. A total of 420 aircraft were produced. While never used in anger, the Skyray was a solid performer and served well in its intended role as a point design interceptor. The Skyray also holds the distinction of being the last fighter produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company before this legendary aerospace giant merged with McDonnell Aircraft to form McDonnell Douglas.
There are several models available in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales. Lindberg and Aurora issued kits in 1/60 and 1/68th respectively complete with engines and engine inspection hatches. Then there was the little known Starfix kit at 1/96th and the surprisingly good Woolworths (1/80 approx) 'Build and Play' in pre-coloured plastic and stick-on markings. As I build in 1/72 I'm not knowledgeable to voice an opinion on the larger scales but if you wish to build the 72nd, one of the most accurate (and in my mind much understated kit) is the Airfix F4D-1 (03027) which appeared in 1977 and re-issued in 1979. With 71 parts cleanly moulded in white plastic this kit subsequently appeared in several boxings from the parent company and other licensed issues followed.
I haven't built one for many a year so here goes....