Douglas/Shorts Skyray F.1

[Devilfish]

The Royal Navy started looking towards the supersonic age in the 50's, and were after an interceptor that could operate from any of its carriers.  Douglas offered their upcoming Skyray.  A deal was struck where Shorts would assemble the aircraft from kits, but fit British electronics, including the AI.23 Airpass radar and Firestreak missiles.  The Skyray entered service in 1960, and served until 1970



Skyray F.1, 899 Sqn HMS Hermes, c.1964

20201207_164842 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20201207_164851 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20201207_164859 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20201207_164908 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

20201207_164919 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

[AeroplaneDriver]

Oh man...I've been eyeing the Skyray in my stash with an almost identical idea.  Having seen yours I both want to jump into it with both feet, and also put it in the back burner because it won't end up near as good as yours.  Absolutely stunning job. 

[Cobra]

this is a Superb Build Tell me the Skyray Doesn't Look Natural in RN Colors! Keep up the Superb Work Dan

[Dizzyfugu]

Uh, pretty! 

[Pellson]

What a build! 

I am so, so far from this. And probably much to lazy too. 

[sideshowbob9]

Erm... stunning much?

[zenrat]

 

[PR19_Kit]

That looks SO right, and with the Firestreaks and Airpass radar it would have made so much sense too. 

Maybe Spey engines as well, or was that the F2? 

I LOVE the IFR probe mounted on the drop tank too, so very much 'of the period'. 

[Old Wombat]

That is a fantastic job! Love the Ford! Love what you did with it!

[Devilfish]

That looks SO right, and with the Firestreaks and Airpass radar it would have made so much sense too. 

Maybe Spey engines as well, or was that the F2? 

I LOVE the IFR probe mounted on the drop tank too, so very much 'of the period'. 

I thought about an engine change. I don't know if the Spey was around in 1960?  I had thought about the Avon, but the difference in power was negligible. Like you say, maybe the F.2, with Red Tops?

The IFR probe is actually standard....Strange idea, but it works.

[PR19_Kit]

I thought about an engine change. I don't know if the Spey was around in 1960?  I had thought about the Avon, but the difference in power was negligible. Like you say, maybe the F.2, with Red Tops?

The IFR probe is actually standard....Strange idea, but it works.

Good point.

The Spey first ran in 1964 after being specced for the Buccaneer in '61, so it'd be a bit marginal for your F1.

But for a Red Top armed F2 it'd be right on the button.

The various F-84s used in IFR trials used a similar 'probe on tank' arrangement too, but I can't recall any Brit aircraft that did.

[Devilfish]

I thought about an engine change. I don't know if the Spey was around in 1960?  I had thought about the Avon, but the difference in power was negligible. Like you say, maybe the F.2, with Red Tops?

The IFR probe is actually standard....Strange idea, but it works.

Good point.

The Spey first ran in 1964 after being specced for the Buccaneer in '61, so it'd be a bit marginal for your F1.

But for a Red Top armed F2 it'd be right on the button.

The various F-84s used in IFR trials used a similar 'probe on tank' arrangement too, but I can't recall any Brit aircraft that did.

Going to have to get another one now....

[NARSES2]

That's fantastic 

Both the Skyray and Skyhawk really suit this classic FAA scheme 

[PR19_Kit]

Going to have to get another one now....

What was the original kit anyway?

[The Rat]

Beautiful.      I've seen one in the Royal Navy scheme before, and it just looks so right. The lines of the Skyray are instantly recognisable, and very pleasing to the eye, and would look good in any scheme. Yours is not only beautiful, but very well done!