Douglas F4D Skyray

Continuing from yesterday’s posting, today we look at some of the unique aspects of the Ford’s operational history. Flying the Ford: The Ford, besides having a noteworthy climb rate, was also very maneuverable, featuring an incredible roll rate. One Navy test pilot who flew the Skyray said that Air Force chase-plane pilots were desperate to…

(The Scribe is flying back to occupied Virginia Friday, hence the early publication) Presented this week: The Douglas F4D/F-6A Skyray. Another of Ed Heinemann’s now-classic designs, the F4D counted a number of firsts in its history, but like the F3H, would be victimized by the Westinghouse J-40. In its short life, the F4D (or as…