From Naval Interceptor to NASA Testbed: The Story of the Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer
The Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer was developed as a Mach 2, all-weather carrier interceptor, an advanced evolution of the F4D Skyray. Despite showing superior performance to its contemporaries like the Vought F8U Crusader, the U.S. Navy canceled the program after building only four prototypes. The decision was attributed to the success of the Crusader and potential political factors. However, the canceled Skylancers found a new purpose with NASA, serving for over a decade as valuable research aircraft. They supported critical programs, including the X-15 and the development of the American supersonic transport (SST).
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