The need for speed
The Skyray prototype XF4D-1 proved supersonic in a dive, and second prototype 124587
established a world air speed record of 753mph over the Salton Sea on 3 October 1953, piloted
by the US Navy’s James Verdin. This record would last less than four weeks, but it did prove to
the world that the US Navy had a real hot ship nearing squadron service. Sadly, James Verdin
lost his life in the crash of 137815 on 13 January 1955 when his parachute failed to open after
he ejected. The Skyray was designed exclusively for the high-altitude interception role, with a
high rate and angle of climb. It set a new time-to-altitude record, ying from a standing start to
49,221ft (15,003m) in 2min 36sec, all while ying at a 70° pitch angle.