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Home > Fact Sheets > Douglas A-1E Skyraider
DOUGLAS A-1E SKYRAIDER
During World War II, Douglas submitted a design to the U.S. Navy for a replacement for the famous SBD dive-bomber. The Skyraider made its first flight in March 1945, and for the next 12 years Douglas continually improved it through several versions. Douglas delivered 3,180 Skyraiders to the Navy, many of which were used during the Korean War.
In 1963 the USAF modified the Navy's AD-5 Skyraider for service in Vietnam and redesignated it the A-1E. Because of its ability to carry large bomb loads, absorb heavy ground fire and fly for long periods at low altitude, the A-1E was particularly suited for close-support missions.
The A-1E on display is the airplane flown by Maj. Bernard Fisher on March 10, 1966, when he rescued a fellow pilot shot down over South Vietnam in the midst of enemy troops. For this deed he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The airplane, severely damaged in combat in South Vietnam, came to the museum in 1967 for preservation.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Four 20mm cannons and a wide assortment of bombs, rockets, mines, grenades, flares and gun pods
Maximum speed: 325 mph
Cruising speed: 240 mph
Range: 1,500 miles
Ceiling: 26,200 ft.
Span: 50 ft. 1/4 in.
Length: 40 ft.
Height: 15 ft. 9 5/8 in.
Weight: 24,872 lbs. maximum
Serial number: 52-132649
Click here to learn more about the Douglas A-1E.
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