Douglas F4D Skyrays Sets World Record October 3, 1953 | Boeing Classics
On October 3, 1953, US Navy Lieutenant Commander James Verdin piloted the Douglas F4D Skyray into the record books with and speed record of 753.4 mph in four passes over a three kilometer course. The Skyray was the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold that title. It was also the first US Navy/Marine Corps fighter that could exceed Mach 1. A total of 421 Skyray jets were produced by Douglas Aircraft between 1950 and 1958.