A1H SKYRAIDER USAF MODEL

The Douglas A-1 Skyraider, known for a lot of nicknames, was a propeller-powered engine, was a U.S. single-seat attack bomber introduced in the year 1950s. The A-1 has nicknames such as: 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), and Crazy Water Buffalo (South Vietnamese nickname). 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. The prototype of the Skyraider was first flown on 18 March 1945. A total of 3,180 Skyraiders were built during its last production in 1957.

A-1H model of the A-1 Skyraider was a single-seat attack aircraft with three dive brakes, centerline station stressed for 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of ordnances, 30 inches (760 mm) in diameter, combination 14/30 inch (360/760 mm) bomb ejector and low/high altitude bomb director. A-1H was a converted AD-6 aircraft and there were 713 built. A-1H has a distinction between the A-1J aircraft variant. The two said variants, A-1H and A-1J, were the final versions of the Skyraider. The H and J models were externally identical; however, the A-1J had strengthened landing gear and wings. The principal mission of the A-1H/J is the destruction of ground targets in support of ground forces. The aircrafts middle compartment can be readily equipped with passenger seats, facilities for litters or provisions for carrying heavy cargo. The USAF used the Skyraider extensively in Vietnam in the close air support role. The aircraft was especially effective in providing cover for combat rescue missions.