The Douglas AD (A-l from 18 September 1962) Skyraider unquestionably the most versatile single engine propeller driven aircraft ever manufactured - performed in many roles for over 35 years. Conceived 'overnight' in a Washington, DC hotel room, the Skyraider first Hew just nine months and two days later on 18 March 1945. The versatility and adaptability of the Skyraider design was evident in the 33 sub-variants, which evolved during the Sky raider's life-lime. The simple design approach taken by designer Ed Heinemann on the Skyraider established many of the principles used to design modern attack aircraft. The Skyraider's rugged structure and dependability allowed it to keep flying after sustaining severe damage. These qualities established new standards by which future aircraft designs would be measured. The versatility of the Skyraider was ultimately proven in the Vietnam Conflict when A-Is shot down multiple MiG jet lighter aircraft and served as the weapons platform of a Medal of Honor mission. The aircraft's proven reliability earned it such respectful nicknames as 'SPAD.' 'Flying Dump Truck.' .Able Dog.' and Workhorse of the Fleet' among those who flew and serviced this venerable aircraft.
All Skyraider variants shared common wing geometry and horizontal control surfaces: however, there were many differences between the variants. Sometimes the only differences were internal changes that were not externally noticeable. The most noticeable difference was between the single place and multi-place cockpit airframes. The latter aircraft featured substantial modifications to the fuselage profile and vertical control surfaces. In the scope of this Walk Around, we have merely scratched the surface of documenting all the 33 different Skyraider sub-variants; however, we have illustrated the major details of the most prolific variants of this family.
Название: A-1 "Skyraider" [Squadron-Signal 5527]
Автор: Don Greer, Ed Barthelemes, Richard Dann
Publisher: Squadron/Signal Publications
Год издания: 2001
ISBN: 0897474295
Страниц: 81 Pages
Язык: english
Формат: PDF
Размер: 21,1 mb
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