The A-1 Skyraider originated as a carrier-based torpedo and dive bomber. Deliveries as the
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.

On May 1, 1951 eight AD-4 Skyraiders from VA-195, attacked the heavily defended
Hwachon Dam that USAF and USN bombers had previously failed to destroy. Armed with
old Mk. 13 torpedoes and lead by Commanding Officer Harold "Swede" Carlson flying
123827, the VA-195 AD-4s flew low level through a narrow canyon to the 40-foot wide
targets. Though never trained to drop torpedoes, 6 of the 8 hit the target successfully
destroying one sluice gate and severely damaging another. This mission is what earned VA-
195 the name “Dambusters”.

Specifications for Douglas Skyraider AD-4

Crew – 1 x pilot

First flight – June 1949

First in service - July 1949

Number produced - 372 (AD-4 was the most produced variant)

Powerplant – 1 x Wright R-3350-26WA, normal hp 2,300 @ 2,600 rpm @ sea-level
Max speed - 315 kt
Service ceiling – 36,500 ft
Combat range – 1,100 nmi

Fuel capacity
Fuselage – 380 US gals
Center drop tank – 150 US gals
Wing drop tanks (2) – 300 US gals

Wingspan – 50 ft
Length – 38 ft 11 in
Height – 15 ft 8 in

Weight
Empty – 11,712 lb
Gross – 16,700 lb
Max load – 24,000 lb

Ordnance
4 x 20 mm cannons in wings with 800 rounds
2 x maximum 2,000 lb Mk.51 bombs on inner wing pylons
1 x 2,000 lb bomb under fuselage on center-line.
Maximum bomb capacity
On ship – 6,500 lb
Shore – 9,000 lb

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