YouTube video by OBS GAME RESEARCH

The Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer began as an improved all-weather development of the F4D Skyray but soon became a distinct supersonic interceptor powered by the Pratt & Whitney J57 engine. Though the Navy canceled the program, NASA found new purpose for the aircraft. Flown by Neil Armstrong, the Skylancer helped refine abort and landing procedures for the X-20 Dyna-Soar spaceplane, quietly bridging naval aviation and early orbital research in the early 1960s.

When the Douglas F4D was altered to take a new engine, it was realised that a more thorough redesign might produce a far better aircraft.

Randy Malmstrom highlights the remarkable history of Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer BuNo 139208, an experimental Navy fighter that found new purpose in cutting edge research after its production was canceled. Used by NACA and NASA to test radar systems, flight instruments and even wing concepts that shaped the Concorde, the aircraft became one of the most valuable aerodynamic research platforms of its era. After decades in private hands, the unrestored Skylancer now resides at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, where efforts continue to preserve this rare survivor of Cold War innovation.