Douglas A-1 Skyraider. A photo. Characteristics. 

USA

A type: Single-engine attack aircraft

CrewOne pilot or co-pilot and the observer (side by side)

Dubbed the first "Dontless II», the plane XBT2D-1 had a reputation as a brilliant dive bomber of "Douglas", which he had to comply. The fact that the plane went on to beat all records of combat durability attack aircraft with piston engine and served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts proves that the reputation renamed the aircraft "Skayreyder» (Skyraider - heaven Raider) matched his initial nicknamed "Dontless" ("Intrepid").

It is assumed that the plane was designed for 24 hours at the "Statler» (Statler), the District of Columbia in June 1944 years. The success of the aircraft "Skayreyder" provided his radial engine R-3350 of "Wright" and its aerodynamics. But this same engine as delayed arrival of the aircraft "Skayreyder" in operation, the plane missed the Second World War. Over the years, it seemed that a new attack aircraft company "Douglas" is to remain in the US Navy is not proven in combat, just as the aircraft of the same period "Birket" Company "Grumman".

Nevertheless, the aircraft "Skayreyder" provoeval entire Korean War. Since were already 1950-years, the prospects of fighting aircraft A-1 appeared limited. However, the beginning of the war in Vietnam has extended the life of the "Skayreydera" so that the US Air Force and the Air Force in South Vietnam used the aircraft, formerly owned by the US Navy (and removed from storage), with 1964 years until the fall of Saigon in 1975 year. US Navy, meanwhile, has finally brought their planes "Skayreyder" out of service in April 1968, after four difficult years of fighting over Vietnam.

Basic data

Dimensions (for aircraft modification A 1E):

• Length: 12,19 m
• Wingspan: 15,47 m
• Height: 4,83 m

The weight:

• BLANK: 5585 kg
• Maximum take-off: 11 340 kg

Aircraft performance characteristics:

• Maximum speed: 501 km / h
• Flight range: 4828 km with external fuel tanks

Power point: R-3350-26W or R-3350-26WB of "Wright"

Power: 3020 l. from. (2252 kW) and 3050 l. from. (2271 kW), respectively,

Date of first flight:

• 18 March 1945 year

Surviving airworthiness modifications: AD-4/-4N/-4NA/-4W/-5W/- 6, A-1D / E / H and EA-1E