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Douglas A-1 "Skyraider"

 

Seeking to provide a simpler aircraft carrier based aircraft, yet with versatile armament, the Douglas A-1 "Skyraider" was developed towards the end WWII. First flown in March 1945, over 3,100 variants would be built before ceasing production in 1957 and proved to be an effective tactical aircraft during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Utilized as an torpedo/dive bomber or tactical fighter the U.S. Navy and Air Force found that the last of these piston engine aircraft provided greater payload capacity compared to the emerging jet aircraft of era.

Flown by a single pilot, it was powered by a single 2,800 hp radial engine, it had a maximum air speed of 325 mph, a range of 900 miles and a pay load of 8,000 lbs consisting of either bombs, napalm, torpedoes, mines, depth charges, or rockets. Armed with (4) 20mm cannons it had the ability to remain in flight for up to 10 hours providing close tactical support to ground troops. Indeed, the "Skyraider was a versatile aircraft with many variants used in anti-submarine patrol, night fighter, electronic countermeasures, target towing, freight transport, casualty evacuation, nuclear armament and photographic reconnaissance.

All screens best viewed in 800x600 resolution and utilize a  progressive JPEG  format. Photos are encoded with copyright, and information in Adobe Photoshop Info File.

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Christy Butler **** www.shoeboxphotos.net **** **** butts@bcn.net