F4D Skyray
The F4D Skyray was a carrier-based, supersonic, fighter aircraft which was used by the US Navy during the Cold War. The F4D was designed by the American engineer Edward Heinemann in 1950, and manufactured by Douglas. The Skyray made its first flight on January 23, 1951, and was delivered to the United States Navy VC-3 Squadron in 1956. It was retired from service in 1964.
The F4D Skyray had sharply swept, rounded delta wings. Its design was named after the Manta ray fish which it resembled. The thick wing roots contained the air intakes which fed a single turbojet engine. Fuel was contained both in the wings and the deep fuselage. In September 1962, the Skyray was redesignated F-6. The F4D was designed for the high-altitude interception role with a spectacular rate and angle of climb, setting a new time to altitude record flying from a standing start to 49,221 ft (15,000 m) in 2 minutes and 36 seconds, all while flying at a 70° pitch angle.
Specifications for the F4D Skyray
Engine: one Pratt & Whitney J57-P-8, -8A or -8B turbojet.
Maximum speed: 730 mph (1,250 km/h-Mach 1.05).
Range: 700 mi (1,100 km) combat.
Length: 45 ft 3 in (10.21 m).
Wingspan: 33 ft 6 in (13.8 m).
Crew: one
Avionics: APQ-50A radar; Aero 13F fire-control radar.
Weapons: four 20mm (0.79 in) Mk 12-0 cannons; six pods of 7 × 2.75 in (70mm) unguided rockets; two AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs.
