The D558 program was conceived as a joint U.S. Navy/NACA research program for transonic and supersonic flight.

The Skystreaks were initially nicknamed the "crimson test tube" due to their scarlet paint.

The jet-powered D-558-1 Skystreak contributed important data used in future supersonic aircraft by flying for extended periods of time at transonic speeds.

It almost crossed the sound barrier on Aug. 20, 1947, when Marine Corps test pilot Marion Carl took the Skystreak to Mach .99 (650.7 mph).

Three Skystreak aircraft made a total of 228 test flights between 1947-53.