The Skyraider A-1, originally AD, came out of a 1943 Navy decision to merge dive-bombing and torpedo missions into a single aircraft. Not graceful in concept, considering its barrel-like fuselage and rigid lines that gave it no grace in its appearance, the Skyraider still shouted of power and the ability to carry an impressive 8,000 pounds of ordnance, more than a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress.
First flown on 18 March 1945, the Skyraider was introduced to fleet service a year later. Many pilots flying the aircraft for the first time were struck by its enormous power and sensory overload. One aviator remembered, “My first impression was that I was in for the ride of my life. I was surrounded by noise and vibration. That first flight behind a 3350 radial all alone was something to behold.”
The Skyraader also became known as the “Able Dog” or “Spad,” was certainly one of the finest attack aircraft during the Korean War. Missions included attacks on heavily defended industrial targets and close air support, which endeared the aircraft to ground troops. Other uses adapted for it included electronic countermeasures and night attacks.
The Skyraiders went on to serve in a variety of other roles well into the 1960s, even after jets had come to dominate carrier decks. Some pilots trained with atomic missions in mind, flying long-range “Sandblower” missions that earned them another nickname: “Butt Busters.” By the Vietnam War, the A-4 Skyhawk would become the Navy’s primary attack aircraft, but Skyraiders still played a crucial role. They flew the first strikes against North Vietnam after the Tonkin Gulf incident in August 1964 and remained in the attack role until 1968 when sophisticated antiaircraft defenses made operations too dangerous.
The Navy used electronic countermeasures variants of the Skyraider until 1972, and the Air Force flew them on search and rescue and air commando duties until that year also. A total of 3,180 Skyraiders were built by Douglas Aircraft Company.
Specifications for the A-1H Skyraider are: Length: 38 feet, 10 inches; Height: 15 feet, 8 ¼ inches; Wingspan: 50 feet; Weight: 12,094 pounds empty, 25,000 pounds gross. It is powered by a Wright R-3350-26W 2,700 horsepower engine, reaches a maximum speed of 343 mph at 20,000 feet, has a service ceiling of 25,400 feet, and a range of 1,300 miles. Armament includes four 20mm fixed forward-firing cannons, 8,000 pounds of ordnance, and a crew of one pilot.