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 for the US Navy during World War II, the US Air Force used A-1Es primarily to aid in close air support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In addition to close air support, the Skyraider also attacked enemy supply lines and aided in the insertion and extraction of special operations teams inside enemy- held territory along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Vietnam.
In 2001, the Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the A-1E on display from Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Many call this military installation, where thousands of retired aircraft are stored, the “Boneyard.” With this Boneyard acquisition and parts from several other A-1s that served in Vietnam, staff restored this aircraft to resemble the one flown by Major Bernard “Bernie” Fisher during his rescue mission in Vietnam on 10 March 1966, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
An important role of the Skyraider was to locate and rescue downed aircrews. As a pilot of the A-1, Utah native Major Bernie Fisher carried out this mission with great valor. In 1966, during an attack on a US Special Forces camp by the North Vietnamese, a contingent of A-1s were defending the camp. One A-1 and its pilot were downed. Rather than wait for rescue helicopters, Major Fisher landed amid enemy fire to rescue the pilot, receiving 19 direct hits in the process but taking off safely. For his heroic actions, Major Fisher was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first living recipient of that medal and the first US Air Force recipient in the Vietnam War.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 52-0247
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company
Primary Function: Close air support
Crew: One
Engines: One Wright R-3350-26W “Cyclone” reciprocating radial piston engine; 2,700 horsepower
Wingspan: 50 ft 1⁄4 in
Length: 40 ft
Height: 15 ft 9 in
Weight: 24,872 lbs. (maximum)
Speed: Maximum: 325 mph; Cruising Speed: 240 mph
Range: 1,500 miles
Service Ceiling: 26,200 ft
Armament: Four 20mm cannons
Payload: Up to 10,000 lbs. assorted ordnance
Cost: $414,000
Years of Service: 1962 – 1970s
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.