Douglas F6D Missileer

History of the Douglas F6D Rocket

As missile technology advanced in the 1950s, the U.S. Navy began evaluating plans to provide new carrier-based fleet defense fighters, in addition to earlier approaches using dedicated high-speed fighter/interceptor types. The idea is to combine large subsonic high-performance aircraft with state-of-the-art missile and radar systems - the aircraft is essentially a "missile carrier" (aka "missile man") to counter incoming air threats. While lacking the straight-line speed of its faster sibling, as well as the inherent melee capabilities, this aircraft will exhibit excellent range and lingering qualities to help it stay on the station longer and keep its missile payload at range Inside.

This reduces the risk of fast enemy aircraft attempting to engage the carrier group before interceptors are deployed.

In 1959, the US Navy made a formal request for such a platform. Because of the technology required, the project will involve a combination of very advanced systems and subsystems that try to work together - relying on powerful radars and dedicated aircrews to perform their functions. The combined radar/missile approach is able to track/engage enemy elements far beyond the visual range (BVR), giving the missile platform a distinct advantage.

The air-to-air missile (AAM) developed for the program is the Bendix AAM-N-10 Eagle, combined with the AN/APQ-81 family of radars developed by Westinghouse. Since the aircraft was not capable of being a dedicated early warning (EW) platform, a second design was approved for development, which became the 1964 Grumman W2F "Hawkeye".

From the outset, the missile program was easy to implement, largely thanks to advanced technology. The product incorporates a number of completely new systems for what is essentially a new approach to fleet defense of the battlefield. In addition to the technology employed, the project also had tactical problems with its concept - once the missile ran out of its rockets, it was essentially powerless against an enemy that successfully evaded its initial attack - even carrier-based fighter jets at the time - . Still provides an onboard cannon for close range work, a feature the F6D lacks.

The project was officially abandoned in December 1960, although some of its components were allowed to continue to be used.

The F6D's technology - especially its TF30 engine - was carried over and used in subsequent designs. When the F-111B, the naval interceptor version of the interceptor-oriented F-111A Aardvark, failed to materialize, the role of the fleet defense fighter fell to the classic 1974 Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

Over 700 gyrocopters are built and a powerful radar is combined with the equally powerful long-range AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile.

While the missile program itself was eventually terminated, its contribution to other realized programs became apparent.

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