Tamiya 61055-400 - 1/48 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray - Metallic Version WWII  [61055-400]

All plastic sprues are molded with a metallic finish

Concerning the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray Towards the finish of World War II, numerous information regarding higher level aeronautical technology were captured in Germany by the U.S. Forces. One ended up being an analysis of studies carried out by Dr. Alexander Lippisch on deltawinged aircraft. Based upon the data, the Douglas company developed the F4D Skyray, the only real operational interceptor with delta wings in the U.S. Navy.

Starting the design in 1947, Douglas had been awarded a contract for the construction and testing of two prototypes in December 1948. 1st prototype became popular on its maiden flight in January 1951. The 2nd model travelled briefly thereafter, and airframe set two "" new world "" documents, absolute rate record of 1,211km/h and 100km shut program record of 1,171km/h, in October 1953. Having numerous improvements and refinements, initial production F4D-1 made its maiden flight in June 1954 and entered squadron solution in April 1956. The distinctive 50 degree sweptback wings with round recommendations had been equipped with leading edge slats and trailing side elevons. Some trimmers were installed on the inboard trailing sides for the wings. The outer portions of this wings might be folded upwards by oil force for provider stowage.

Although the Skyray never ever saw any combat, it proved its high ability as an interceptor with many world records and scramble actions in Taiwan responding to crises in belated 1950's.