Overview

Killer Rays is the definitive work on the history of the U.S. Navy's only operational delta-wing aircraft, the revolutionary Douglas F4D Skyray and its more advanced variant, the F5D Skylancer. Author Mark Frankel unlocks secrets of delta-wing design and covers the intense rivalry between the Navy's F4D Skyray and Air Force's F-102 Delta Dagger in the 1950s. This book chronicles the development of the Skyray from concept to first prototype, flight testing, carrier qualifications, and operational history. It also explains how initial engine problems nearly caused the failure of the F4D, and how it was ultimately saved. The author accessed a wealth of Douglas Aircraft photos, models, artwork, engineering drawings, and related material including transcripts of conversations with Chief Designer, Ed Heinemann and Configuration Engineer, R.G. Smith. As a result, Killer Rays covers, in vivid detail, all aspects of F4D production, flight testing, world speed and time-to-climb records, plus new, never-before-seen aspects of NASA F5D operations, giving the reader the inside story on two significant Cold War U.S. Navy interceptor designs.

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9781580071550

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Reviews

Overall, this is an excellent book on the Skyray, one which has been needed for quite some time. --Chris Banyai-Riepl Internet Modeler (09/01/2010) In this reviewer's opinion, this is the most definitive book to date on the Skyray. --Ed Kinney IPMS (10/01/2010) Killer Rays is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography, with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Merksy Naval Aviation News (07/01/2011) Overall, it is yet another of those aviation books that the enthusiast must have on the shelf. Specialty Press has hit on the magic that is required to produce a fine reference book like this one. It is fun to read, has great photos and adds to one's knowledge of the subject. Like all their books, it is most highly recommended. -- (09/01/2010) So treat yourself to loads of fascinating fun - and grab Mark Frankel's terrific tome. Strongly recommended. -- (11/01/2010) This book is an excellent look at the 471 Skyrays and combines very good text, excellent photo reproduction, lots of color profiles, and interviews with pilots to create a very worthwhile volume. --Air Classics (02/01/2011) This is an extensive historical account of the two types, backed up iwth a lot of technical data and photographs. It is probably about as detailed as any modeler will need. -- (03/01/2011) Killer Rays is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Mersky The Hook (01/01/2011)

Killer Rays is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography, with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Merksy Naval Aviation News (07/01/2011)

Overall, this is an excellent book on the Skyray, one which has been needed for quite some time. --Chris Banyai-Riepl Internet Modeler (09/01/2010) In this reviewer's opinion, this is the most definitive book to date on the Skyray. --Ed Kinney IPMS (10/01/2010) Killer Rays is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography, with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Merksy Naval Aviation News (07/01/2011) Overall, it is yet another of those aviation books that the enthusiast must have on the shelf. Specialty Press has hit on the magic that is required to produce a fine reference book like this one. It is fun to read, has great photos and adds to one's knowledge of the subject. Like all their books, it is most highly recommended. -- (09/01/2010) This book is an excellent look at the 471 Skyrays and combines very good text, excellent photo reproduction, lots of color profiles, and interviews with pilots to create a very worthwhile volume. --Air Classics (02/01/2011) So treat yourself to loads of fascinating fun - and grab Mark Frankel's terrific tome. Strongly recommended. -- (11/01/2010) This is an extensive historical account of the two types, backed up iwth a lot of technical data and photographs. It is probably about as detailed as any modeler will need. -- (03/01/2011) Killer Rays is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Mersky The Hook (01/01/2011)

<i>Killer Rays</i> is an excellent example of modern aircraft biography with a fine photo selection and artwork to complement an equally excellent text. --Peter Mersky The Hook (01/01/2011)

Author Information

Mark Frankel's life-long interest in aviation began as a flying-aircraft modeler in early childhood. As a teenager, he competed in American Model Association meets at the Nationals level which led to his interest in Naval Aviation. After completing law school, Mark served as a trial lawyer in Navy JAGC and earned his FAA Private License as well.

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