Press/Media - Archives

July 2008 - San Diego

Rare Douglas F4D-1 Skyray on Display at Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

San Diego - With only 422 ever built, the Douglas F4D-1 "Skyray" now on display at the Marine Corps only aviation museum is a rare treat for military aircraft enthusiasts.

Bureau number 139177 arrived at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (FLAM) aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to undergo complete restoration. After more than 2000 man-hours, the completed airframe is now displayed on the west promenade of the museum's grounds.

Although the Skyray was in service a relatively short time, it is notable for being the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world's absolute speed record, and was the first United States Navy-Marine Corps fighter capable of exceeding Mach 1 in level flight.

The F4D Skyray is an award-winning wide delta wing design by Edward H. Heinemann and had its maiden flight 23 January 1951. The aircraft was introduced to the fleet in 1956 where it served both the Navy and Marines until its retirement in 1964.

The Skyray was designed to meet a 1947 Navy requirement for a fighter aircraft capable of intercepting and destroying enemy aircraft at an altitude of 50,000 feet within five minutes of sounding the alarm. Originally intended to utilize the Westinghouse J40 turbojet power plant, Douglas wisely designed in contingency options and, when the Westinghouse proved troublesome and was eventually cancelled, the Skyray was fitted with the larger and more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57 engine.

Plan to visit the museum to see our newest addition to our unique collection of more than twenty-five Marine Corps aircraft and Marine Corps artifacts dating from the birth of Marine aviation to the present day. There is no admission fee.

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday (excluding federal holidays) from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The museum is accessible ONLY through its dedicated entry on Miramar Road, just west of Camino Ruiz, and clearly marked by United States and Marine Corps flags.

Semper Fidelis

Public Relations Contact:
Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
1-877-359-8762