The futuristic looking Douglas F4D Skyray was one of the most remarkable early jets in the US Navy's arsenal. Developed thanks to wartime research on tailless delta designs by the German Dr. Alexander Lippisch, the F4D had a large and rounded sweptback wing which was not a true delta but which closely resembled one due to its broad chord and low aspect ratio. In addition, one of the prototypes set a new world speed record and later became the first US Navy aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds in level flight. The Skyray went on to equip a total of 11 USN and 6 USMC front-line squadrons (as well as various Reserve units) until the late 1960s but did not see combat with any of them and was eventually replaced by more advanced types like the F-8. This was largely because, despite its excellent rate of climb, it was poorly suited for other duties such as ground attack. Interestingly, the Skyray was the only USN aircraft to be used by the North American Air Defense Command.

The XF4D-1 prototype first flew on 23 January 1951 and entered production as the F4D-1 with new J57 afterburning engines. No other versions were built although a planned F5D Skylancer was originally designed as the F4D-2. Prototypes were known as the F5D-1 but were cancelled.