Douglas A-1 Skyraider for Sale — Korean and Vietnam War Attack Aircraft
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider — originally designated the AD Skyraider — is one of the most celebrated and versatile piston-engine attack aircraft ever built, a single-seat carrier-based dive bomber and ground attack aircraft that entered service with the US Navy in 1946 and went on to serve with distinction in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War before being retired by US forces in the 1970s. Powered by a massive Wright R-3350 radial engine producing over 2,700 horsepower and capable of carrying an extraordinary 8,000-pound external weapons load, the Skyraider combined the payload of early jet attack aircraft with the loiter time and precision weapons delivery accuracy that piston power enabled. Airplane Trade maintains listings for the Douglas A-1 Skyraider series for warbird collectors, aviation museums, and serious buyers worldwide.
Development and Variants
Ed Heinemann and the Douglas team designed the XBT2D-1 in the closing months of World War II in response to a Navy requirement for a single-seat carrier attack aircraft that could replace the combination of specialized dive bombers and torpedo bombers then in service. The production AD-1 entered Navy service in late 1946 and immediately demonstrated capabilities that exceeded expectations. Successive variants introduced more powerful engines, electronic warfare equipment, additional hardpoints, and specialized mission configurations including:
- AD-1 through AD-4: Progressive improvements in engine, fuel capacity, and weapons carriage
- AD-4N: Night attack variant with radar and three-seat crew
- AD-5 (later A-1E): Side-by-side two-seat variant for special operations and training
- AD-6 (later A-1H): Primary single-seat attack variant used extensively in Vietnam
- AD-7 (later A-1J): Final production single-seat variant with uprated engine
Korean and Vietnam War Service
The Skyraider proved its exceptional combat capability in Korea, delivering ordnance with precision that early jet aircraft could not match due to their higher speed and shorter loiter times. In Vietnam, the Skyraider achieved legendary status in the close air support and search-and-rescue escort roles, where its ability to carry massive weapons loads and orbit over friendly troops for hours at a time made it invaluable. South Vietnamese Air Force Skyraiders were also highly effective in the ground attack role, and the type served with the French Armee de l'Air in Algeria and with other operators worldwide.
Technical Specifications — A-1H (AD-6)
- Engine: Wright R-3350-26WA, 2,700 hp
- Maximum speed: 318 mph (276 knots) at altitude
- Cruise speed: Approximately 188 mph (163 knots)
- Service ceiling: 28,500 ft
- Combat radius: Approximately 900 miles
- Maximum weapons load: 8,000 lb on 15 hardpoints
- Armament (standard): Four 20mm cannon, up to 8,000 lb external stores
- Seats: 1 (A-1H) or 2 side-by-side (A-1E)
- Wingspan: 50 ft 0 in
- MTOW: 25,000 lb
The Skyraider as a Warbird
The Douglas Skyraider commands exceptional respect in the warbird community as one of the most capable and historically significant piston combat aircraft ever produced. Its enormous R-3350 radial engine produces a sound and visual presence that is unmistakable at airshows, and its combat record across two major wars gives it historical weight that few other warbirds can match. Airworthy Skyraiders are relatively rare given the attrition of combat and decades of storage, but several excellent flying examples exist in the United States and Europe, maintained by dedicated owners and specialist organizations.
The R-3350 engine is supported by a community of radial engine specialists, and parts availability has improved as the warbird community has invested in manufacturing support components. A-1E two-seat variants are particularly valued for their ability to carry a passenger in the side-by-side cockpit arrangement.
Find a Douglas A-1 Skyraider on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade maintains dedicated listings for the Douglas A-1 Skyraider series where serious buyers can connect with private collectors, aviation museums, and warbird dealers. Browse current Skyraider listings or list your aircraft for sale to reach the most qualified audience of historic military aircraft buyers on the platform today.