General Background

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 Aircraft

VMF-121 “Green Knights” was activated in 1941 and renamed VMA-121 in 1951. On October 19, 1951 VMA-121 deployed to Pyongtaek, South Korea where they became the “Wolf Raiders” completing their first mission on the 27th. Their mission was to destroy airfields, supply depots, bridges and railroads and by doing this the squadron dropped more tonnage than any other USN or USMC unit and earned them the nickname “Heavy Haulers”. One of the 125 AD-3s built was BuNo. 122743 21/AK made it through the Korean War but was written off in December 1955.

Specifications

• Dimensions
• Length: 39 ft 3 in
• Height: 15 ft 8 in
• Wingspan: 50 ft 1/4 in
• Wing area: 400.33 sq ft
• Weight
• Empty Weight: 12,070 lbs
• Normal Loaded: 18,400 lbs
• Maximum Weight: 24,000 lbs
• 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.
• Max. 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
• 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