AD4N in French markings - Courtesy of Robert
Johnson
A1 Skyraider
History: The prototype
of the Skyraider was first flown on 18 March 1945. Designed as a robust,
multi-role attack aircraft for the US Navy,
the carrier-based Skyraider was able to carry a wide variety of weapons
on its numerous wing hardpoints. The Skyraider first saw combat in the
Korean War, where its long loiter time and heavy load-hauling capability
gave it a distinct utility advantage over the jet aircraft of the time.
Various versions were developed over the years; the most
numerous types being: AD-1 (Initial production
version with 2500hp R-3350 engine); AD-2
(Improved AD-1 with wheelwell covers and increased fuel load, etc.);
AD-3 (Redesigned canopy, improved propeller,
etc.); AD-4 (2700hp R-3350 engine, further
canopy improvements, etc.); AD-4W (3-seat
Early Warning version); AD-5 (4-seat multi-role
version. Many variants of the AD-5 were capable of carrying up to 12
passengers in the rear fuselage); AD-6
(Single-seat attack version).
During the 1960s, the AD-x designations were changed to
A-1D through A-1J.
The A-1 series was operated with enormous success during the Vietnam
War, where it was used in the Ground Attack, Forward Air Control, and
Search and Rescue roles. The AD-6 and AD-7
were used by the French Armee de l'Air in Algeria.
Nicknames: Able
Dog; Sandy; Spad; Hobo; Firefly; Zorro; The Big Gun; Old Faithful; Old
Miscellaneous; Fat Face (AD-5 version); Guppy (AD-5W
version); Q-Bird (AD-1Q/AD-5Q versions); Flying Dumptruck
(A-1E); Crazy Water Buffalo (South Vietnamese nickname).
Specifications (AD-7 / A-1J):
Engine: 2800hp Wright R-3350-26B radial piston
engine
Weight: Empty 10,550 lbs., Max Takeoff 25,000 lbs.
Wing Span: 50ft. 9in.
Length: 38ft. 10in.
Height: 15ft. 8.25in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed at 18,000ft: 320mph
Cruising Speed at 6,000ft: 190mph
Ceiling: 25,500ft
Range: 900 miles
Armament:
Four 20mm cannon
8,000lbs of hardpoint-mounted freefall and/or
forward-firing weapons
Number Built: 3,180
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