DOUGLAS SKYRAIDER

The Douglas Skyraider was originally developed during the latter part of the Second World War, to meet a U.S. Navy requirement for a carrier-based dive-bomber/torpedo bomber. It’s original U.S. Navy designation was XBT2D, but this was later changed to AD. It’s only other serious competitor was the Martin AM Mauler, which had the same basic configuration.

The Skyraider saw extensive service in the Korean War, and was also exported to a number of other countries. Although production ceased in 1957, the type continued to serve with both the Navy and U.S. Air force right through the 1960’s in Vietnam, before being replaced by aircraft such as the A-7 Corsair. With the introduction of the 1962 tri-service designation scheme, basic designation changed from AD to A-1. The original AD designation was reflected in one of the Skyraider’s nicknames - ‘Able Dog’. This was an appropriate title for an unglamorous but very effective aircraft.

The total production run was some 3,160 aircraft.

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