Product Description
The A-1 Skyraider originated as a carrier-based torpedo and dive bomber. Deliveries as the AD-1 to the Navy began in November 1946 and in 1962 was renamed A-1. It was the first single-seat torpedo/dive bomber to serve with the Navy. The primary mission of the A-1 was close air support for ground troops because of its heavy ordnance load and accuracy. The aircraft had great success in Korea and Vietnam. There were 3,180 Skyraiders built in seven major models and 28 different versions. There were 266 A-1s lost in Vietnam.
Some nicknames - Able Dog, Spad, Sandy, Hobo, Firefly, Zorro and "Crazy Water Buffalo," a VNAF nickname.
Douglas built 713 AD-6 Skyraiders. The first six A-1 Skyraiders transferred from the USN to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) arrived in September 1960 with a further twenty five transferred in May 1961. By the end of 1965 the RVNAF had acquired 308 Skyraiders of several variants for six squadrons. One of the Skyraider’s variants was an AD-6, which in 1962 was re-designated A-1H. A-1H 52-134585 was transferred to the RVNAF and assigned to the 514 Squadron. In May 1972 this aircraft was shot down doing close air support.
