Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2916 AD-4 Skyraiders EC-2/20, French Air Force, early 1960s

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.

In 1959 using the US Military Assistance Program the Armee de l’Air (AA, the French Air Force) was able to obtain ninety three used USN Skyraiders made up of AD-4N, AD-4NA and a few AD-4. The purpose of this acquisition was combat insurgents in Algeria, a French colony until 1962. In 1965 some of these Skyraiders were sent to Cambodia. Skyraider F-TFQT code 20-QT was delivered on September 8, 1961. In 1963 20-QT was sent to EAA 601 (Air Force warehouse) Chateaudun AB and withdrawn from use.

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