The Skyraider was eventually replaced by the A-6A Intruder as the United States military began its overall shift toward the more modern, jet engine aircraft.
First manufactured during World War II, A-1Es were used primarily during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. With their capacity to carry a large weapon load, these aircraft provided support to ground forces, attacked enemy supply lines, located and rescued downed aircrews and supported the insertion and extraction of special operations teams inside enemy-held territory along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Production of the aircraft ended in 1967 after 3,180 had been built.
Serial Number: 52-0247
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company
Crew: One
Engines: One Wright R-3350-26W “Cyclone” reciprocating radial piston engine; 2,700 horsepower
Wingspan: 50 feet 1/4 inch
Length: 40 feet
Height: 15 feet 9 5/8 inches
Weight: 24,872 pounds (maximum)
Speed: 240 mph (cruising); 325 mph (maximum)
Range: 1,500 miles
Service Ceiling: 26,200 feet
Armament: Four 20mm cannons; assortment of bombs, rockets, mines, grenades, gun pods and flares
Cost: $414,000
Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the A-1E on display from the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (more widely known as the “Boneyard”) in 2001. It was restored with parts from several other A-1s that served in South Vietnam and painted to resemble the aircraft flown by Major Bernard Francis Fisher from his rescue mission in Vietnam on March 10, 1966, for which he was awarded a Medal of Honor.
The Skyraider was eventually replaced by the A-6A Intruder as the United States military began its overall shift toward the more modern, jet engine aircraft.
In two separate instances, the A-1 used their onboard cannons to shoot down a single MiG-17 of the Vietnam People’s Air Force.
Due to the Skryaider’s ability to loiter over an area for extended periods, it was perfect for use during Search and Rescue (SAR) missions for downed pilots. One A-1 pilot used the call sign Sandy, which would go on to be used by his replacements, and eventually, any Skyraider involved in SAR missions.
The A-1 used an 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine from the Wright Company, capable of producing 2,700 hp.