First Flight:
The prototype of the F4D-1 Skyray (redignated F-6A in 1962) made its maiden flight on January 23, 1951.

Interceptor:
The most unique aspect of the design of the F4D was its delta wing with rounded tips that viewed from above resembled a stingray and inspired the nickname Skyray. A Douglas Aircraft Company advertisement called the airplane a “Bat-Wing Interceptor” and that was the intended role of the airplane, to intercept attacking bombers that threatened carrier task groups. Legendary Douglas engineer Ed Heinemann and his team designed the airplane to have Mach 1 speed and the capability to reach high altitudes quickly. 

Record-Setter:
The Skyray made its mark quickly. On October 3, 1953, Lieutenant Commander James B. Verdin reached as speed of 752.944 M.P.H. in the XF4D-1 over a three-kilometer course, the Skyray becoming  the first carrier aircraft to hold the absolute world’s speed record. In 1958, Marine Major Edward N. LeFaivre demonstrated the aircraft’s climbing capability, breaking five world’s time-to-climb records over the course of two days, the last one seeing him reach 49,212.5 ft. in just 2 minutes, 36 seconds. 

Service:
The F4D-1 entered squadron service in April 1956 with Composite Squadron (VC) 3, which the following July was redesignated All-Weather Fighter Squadron (VF(AW)) 3. Given the capabilities of the Skyray, this squadron was the only Navy squadron assigned to the North American Air Defense Command. In addition to service in a number of experimental and test units, the “Ford” as the aircraft was called, equipped a number of Navy and Marine Corps squadrons until retired from front-line service in 1964.

The Museum’s Aircraft:
Accepted by the Navy on July 21, 1956, the museum’s F4D-1 (redesignated F-6A in 1962) Skyray entered operational service with Fighter Squadron (VF) 141 and over the course of the following six years it served in five additional Navy and Marine Corps fighter squadrons. In May 1962, the aircraft was transferred to the Naval Air Test Center (NATC) at NAS Patuxent River, MD. Initially assigned to Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, in 1963, it eventually became part of the aircraft complement at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where it served until 1969.

On November 25, 1969, CAPT George Watkins, the NATC chief of staff, flew the aircraft on its final flight for delivery to the museum. This also marked the last flight by a Navy Skyray.