The Douglas F4D Skyray was the US Navy fighter most relevant when E-1 testing and early integration began. The Tracer had more than twice the Skyray's wingspan but almost the same length, making wing folding decisive for hangar and deck handling. The Skyray served from 1956 to 1964, with a little over 400 built. It arrived too late for Korea and was soon eclipsed in memory by the Phantom and the Vietnam War.
Notable Point · 22:01-27:10
The F4D Skyray comparison puts the Tracer's carrier footprint in context
A comparison with the Douglas F4D Skyray shows how a wide-winged AEW aircraft fit the fighter generation that preceded full Phantom integration.