Hobby Master Archive

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

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2903 “Douglas A-1H Skyraider 39768, VA-25, USS Midway, “The Fist of the Fleet”, 1964 "

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.

The “Fist of the Fleet” originally started out as VT-17 in 1943 flying TBF/TBM’s. In November 1946 VT-17 became VA-6B flying the SB2C Helldiver and eventually AD-1 Skyraiders. Next the squadron became part of Air Group Six as VA-65 in April 1948 and in 1950 moved to the West Coast of the U.S. as part of Air Group Two. During their time there they made 3 deployments during the Korean War. In July 1959 as part of a number swap with an East Coast squadron in Air Group Six VA-65 became VA-25. Throughout the 1960’s VA-25 made three carrier deployments to Vietnam flying over 3,000 combat missions and dropping ten million pounds of ordnance on the enemy. In 1968 the Spads were retired in favor of the A-7 Corsair making the Skyraiders from VA- 25 the last of the USN’s tactical propeller driven aircraft.