Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2911 Douglas A-1H Skyraider BuNo 139780 “Firebird”, 1st SOS, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, April 1970

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.

Douglas A-1H Skyraider 139780 was one of the last batches of AD-6s and flew with the USN before transferring to the USAF. In April of 1970 the aircraft wore the SEA camo scheme and was assigned to the 1st SOS operating from Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base. Between April 3rd and 6th 1972, piloted by Captain Robert Burke it was involved in the SAR of Bat 21. Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton was shot down and possessed highly sensitive information and required rescuing at all costs.

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