Diecast Aircraft Information

MetalWings Diecast Aircraft Reference by Dauntless Aviation

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA2909
A-1H Skyraider
BuNo135251, VA-65, USS Enterprise, Operation Sea Orbit

1/72 scale pre-finished.

Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic.

Professionally painted.

All markings are pad applied for superb results.

Crew figure.

Comes with display stand.

Landing gear can be displayed up or down.

Extremely sought after by collectors.

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.

USS Enterprise was formerly CVA(N)-65 and on July 31, 1964 it and two other US Navy
nuclear powered ships began a 30,565 mile voyage around the world in 65 days. This
was Operation “Sea Orbit” and would show they could accomplish this mission without
any refueling or replenishment enabling them to deploy to any area in the world without
logistic support. VA-65 "The World Famous Fighting Tigers" and A-1H BuNo 135251
were onboard the USS Enterprise during this cruise. On July 10, 1968 # 135251 was
with the 602 ACS, 56th ACW and was hit by small arms fire over Laos. Major H.R.
Jennings ejected and was later recovered by helicopter.

Specification of Douglas AD-6 Skyraider re-designated the A-1H in 1962

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.
Maximum 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

Weights
Empty - 12,070 lbs
Normal Loaded - 18,400 lbs
Maximum - 24,000 lbs

Dimensions
Length - 39 ft 3 in
Height - 15 ft 8 in
Wingspan - 50 ft 1/4 in
Wing Area - 400.33 sq ft

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

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