Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA2920A-1H Skyraider "Last Combat Mission" 135300, VA-25, USS Coral Sea, 1967
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
Built as an AD-6 Skyraider 135300 was delivered in June 1954 assigned to VA-55 “Warhorses” In 1956 135300 went to VA-115 “Arabs” and in 1962 joined VA-145 “Swordsmen”. In 1964; assigned to VA-25 “Fist of the Fleet” and in 1965 it spent eight months in Vietnam. From late 1966 until April 1967 and again in September 135300 was Vietnam with VA-52 “Knightriders”. The aircraft rejoined VA-25 in late 1967 and was the last Skyraider to fly an attack mission in support of Khe Sanh on February 20, 1968. The aircraft was retired in April 1968.
