Joe Copalman

The Douglas F3D Skyknight was an early but effective attempt at combining new technologies in a lethal package capable of shipboard operation. Whereas most fighters relied on speed and manoeuvrability, the portly, straight-winged F3D relied on three radars, four 20mm cannon, and – most importantly – darkness. Having first flown in March 1948, the Skyknight’s first taste of war came...