Douglas F4D Skyray

The Douglas F4D Skyray, later redesignated F-6, was an American carrier-based supersonic fighter and interceptor designed and produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the last fighter Douglas built before it merged with McDonnell. The design grew from a late 1940s study of a delta-wing interceptor able to climb quickly enough to catch approaching bombers, and it was redesigned around the Pratt and Whitney J57 turbojet after the Westinghouse J40 was cancelled. Aerodynamic problems prolonged development, and the Skyray was declared ready for fleet introduction in April 1956, entering Navy and Marine Corps service soon after. It had a brief service life, never saw combat, and was the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world absolute speed record.