Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-1>HA2905
AD-4 Skyraider BuNo123827, VA-195 Dambusters, 1950s
General Background
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.
Some nicknames - Able Dog, Spad, Sandy, Hobo, Firefly, Zorro and "Crazy Water Buffalo," a VNAF nickname.
The Aircraft
VA-195 upgraded to the AD-4 in July 1950, and served in the Korean War while embarked on USS Princeton (CV-37). On 5 December 1950, the squadron flew its first combat mission since the end of World War II, flying close air support missions for U.S. Marines near Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.
On May 1, 1951, the squadron’s Skyraiders, making precise low level runs, delivered aerial torpedoes on the heavily defended and strategically positioned Hwa Chon Dam in North Korea. Destruction of the dam had been attempted by Air Force and Navy bombers but was finally accomplished by VA-195, earning them the nickname the Dambusters.
On May 1, 1951, the squadron’s Skyraiders, making precise low level runs, delivered aerial torpedoes on the heavily defended and strategically positioned Hwa Chon Dam in North Korea. Destruction of the dam had been attempted by Air Force and Navy bombers but was finally accomplished by VA-195, earning them the nickname the Dambusters.
Specifications :
| Dimensions | |
| Length: | 39 ft 3 in |
| Height: | 15 ft 8 in |
| Wingspan: | 50 ft 1/4 in |
| Wing area: | 400.33 sq ft |
| Weight | |
| Empty Weight: | 12,070 lbs |
| Normal Loaded: | 18,400 lbs |
| Maximum Weight: | 24,000 lbs |
| Performance | |
| Engine: | (1) 2,500 hp Wright R-3350-26WA Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial, rated at 2,600 hp for takeoff and 2,100 hp at 14,000 feet. |
| Max. Speed: | 342 mph at 15,400 ft |
| 319 mph at sea level | |
| Cruising Speed: | 180 mph |
| Combat Ceiling: | 29,400 ft |
| Combat Radius: | 275 miles with 2,000 lbs of bombs |
| Maximum Ferry Range: | 3,240 miles |
| Armament: | (4) 20-mm cannon in the wing |
| (6) Racks underneath each outer wing | |
| (1) Pylon under each inner wing | |
| (1) Pylon underneath the fuselage centerline |