From Record-Setter to Relic: A Profile of the Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer
The Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer was a supersonic, carrier-based interceptor developed in the 1950s as an evolution of the F4D Skyray. Despite demonstrating superior performance and even setting an unofficial speed record, the U.S. Navy canceled the program after only four prototypes were built. The Navy ultimately selected the Vought F8U Crusader for its operational needs, citing the Crusader's greater development potential and avoiding over-reliance on a single contractor. Following the cancellation, two of the advanced Skylancer prototypes were transferred to NASA, where they served for years as valuable research aircraft.
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