Complex sentence: Its unique design also played a part in making the Skyray one of the best-known early jet fighters, it was effectionately known as the "Ford" (after the "Four" and "D" of its designation).
Split into simpler sentences: Its unique design also played a part in making the Skyray one of the best-known early jet fighters. Affectionately known as the "Ford" (after the "Four" and "D" of its designation).