First published in 1986, the book covers the tailless bat-winged Douglas F4D Skyray, which had such an incredible rate of climb that it gained a secondary mission as part of the USAF Air Defense Command in California and Florida. Known as the Ford by Navy pilots it had a protracted development period due to the failure of its first engine the J-40. In spite of these teething problems before receiving the J-57 it would use in the fleet, the Skyray set two world speed records for the 3km and 100km courses as well as several time-to-climb records. The fighter served with distinction with 25 Navy units, 8 Marine units and NACA/NASA. The radar equipped and missile armed interceptor was retired from active service in 1964. 418 photo, 52 illustrations and extensive squadron histories.