The Supersonic Interceptor That Never Was: A Profile of the Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer
The Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer was developed in the 1950s as a carrier-based, all-weather interceptor for the U.S. Navy. As an evolution of the F4D Skyray, it boasted impressive supersonic performance, capable of reaching Mach 1.5. Despite its promising capabilities, the Navy cancelled the program after only four prototypes, favoring the Vought F8U Crusader for its operational needs. The completed Skylancers were not scrapped; instead, they were transferred to NASA. For over a decade, these aircraft served as invaluable research platforms and chase planes for programs like the X-15, with astronaut Neil Armstrong being one of their notable pilots.
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