The devlopment of the F3D Sky Knight was in response to a United States Navy "Request For Proposal" for a carrier based all-weather night fighter shortly after the end of World War II.  The Douglas Aircraft Corporation was  selected and orders were placed for three prototypes in April, 1946.  The necessities of carrying a long range radar system together with anti-icing equipment, cabin pressurization and sophisticated navigational equipment resulted in a large airframe that allowed for side-by-side seating for the two crew members.  Since the installation of ejector seats was not possible, an escape slide was built behind the crew seats which lead to a breakaway hatch on the bottom of the fuselage.  The F3D Sky Knight was equipped with engines giving 3,250 lb. of thrust and while it also had folding wings, never operated off of an aircraft carrier.  The Sky Knight was succesfully used from shore bases during both the Korean and Vietnam wars.  While most Sky Knights were retired from service by the late 1960s, some aircraft were flying as late as 1983.  This older, out-of-production F3D-2 Sky Knight kit is molded in gray and white plastic and includes the following features: 1) Authentic markings for the following two F3D-2 Sky Knight's: a) F3D-2T2, VF-121, NAS Miramar, California, USA, 1958 and B) F3D-2T2, VMF(N)-513, USMC, K6 Airfield Pyong Tack, South Korea, August, 1953; 2) Clear three piece canopy; 3) Cockpit with two seats; 4) Recessed panel lines; 5) Separate arrestor hook; 5) Two externally mounted bombs; 6) Painting guide in color and 7) Illustrated assembly instructions.  The box is in very good condition.   Never started and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions inventoried.