Douglas A-1H Skyraider – VA-176, US Navy, Vietnam, Tom Patton MiG Killer 1966 DISPLAYED

Hobbymaster 1/72 scale HA2901: Douglas A-1H Skyraider of VA-176, US Navy, Vietnam 1966.

Length 6.5 inches Wingspan 8.25 inches

PLEASE NOTE: This is an imperfect ex display model. Comes with all parts and display stand. Canopy has one of the slide attachments replaced by a metal pin. Paintwork has the odd imperfection which has been touched in but not in A1 condition. Photos of actual model, which looks incredible fully loaded on display..

On October 9, 1966 four A-1H Skyraiders from VA-176 aboard USS Intrepid were sent to provide protection for a helicopter rescue mission deep inside North Vietnam. Instead they met four MiG-17s but using tree top manoeuvres and their agility the Skyraiders managed to damage two MiGs. Lt W. Patton found himself in good position behind another MiG that had made some avoidance manoeuvres and bled off his speed making him vulnerable. Patton fired the last of his 20mm ammo and downed the MiG-17. VA-176 flew the Douglas AD-6 / A-1H Skyraider (designation changed from AD-6 to A-1H in 1962) from June 1955 until February 5, 1969 when they were replaced by the Grumman A-6A Intruder.

The Douglas 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.