A-1J Skyraider Lt. Dieter Dengler, VA-145 "Swordsmen," USS Ranger, 1966 (1:72) by Hobby Master Diecast Airplanes
Item Number: HA2906
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.
VA-145 The Swordsmen were assigned to the USS Ranger from December 1965 to August 1966. On February 1, 1966 Lt(jg) Dieter Dengler was flying his A-1J 142031/ NK 504 on his very first combat mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was shot down. Dengler crash-landed in Laos, was captured and imprisoned. On June 30, 1966 he made a daring escape from a prisoner-of-war stockade and was rescued and returned to the squadron on July 21, 1966. Dengler was awarded the Navy Cross for his courageous escape.
Specifications for the Douglas Skyraider A-1J originally designated the AD-7
A-1J had structural improvements over the A-1H to increase wing fatigue life. This altered the weights and performance between the two variants.
Crew (1) pilot
Aircraft Produced 72
Weights
Empty 10,550 lbs
Maximum take off 25,000 lbs
Performance
Engine Wright R-3350-26B 2,800hp radial piston
Maximum speed @ 18,000 ft 320 mph
Cruise @ 6,000 ft 190 mph
Ceiling 25,500 ft
Range 900 miles
Dimensions
Length 38 ft 10 in
Wing span 50 ft 9 in
Weight 15 ft 8.25 in
Armament
(4) 20 mm cannon
Up to 8,000 lbs. of free- fall and/or forward-firing weapons mounted on hard points