Douglas F5D Skylancer

Douglas · United States · first flew 1956 · fighter

The Douglas F5D Skylancer was an advanced US Navy carrier-based fighter developed as an evolution of the delta-wing F4D Skyray. Four prototypes flew from 1956 but the type was cancelled in favour of the F4H Phantom II.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• US Navy delta-wing supersonic fighter prototype
• Development of the F4D Skyray with longer fuselage
• Only four built; used by NASA as chase aircraft

Resembles a stretched F4D Skyray: tailless delta-wing jet with a broad round intake in the nose, a slender fuselage area-ruled for transonic flight, and a very small vertical fin.

Specifications

• The Douglas F5D Skylancer has a length of 16.4 m (54 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.21 m (33 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1312 km/h (815 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Douglas stretched the F4D Skyray fuselage, refined the aerodynamics, and added an afterburner to produce the F5D. It demonstrated excellent performance but the US Navy chose to standardise on the McDonnell F4H Phantom II. The four prototypes were transferred to NASA and used as research chase aircraft until 1970.

Variants

F5D-1 was the only variant; four aircraft were completed of a planned large production run.

Where you'll see it

US Navy evaluation; subsequently NASA research flying. Not in frontline service with any operator.

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