Design work on the Skyraider began at the behest of the Navy during the final part of WWII. Production of the Skyraider began in 1946, and type made its combat debut in the hands of Naval aviators during the Korean War. At that time the Skyraider proved its mettle. In the following years, the rugged airframe and powerful engine meant that the type could be adapted into ever-expanding roles of attack, reconnaissance, weather and ECM types. Though regarded by many as obsolete, in Vietnam the Skyraider again saw combat, now in the hands of not only US Navy and Marine pilots, but also USAF and Republic of Vietnam airmen. Capable of flying low and slow while armed with a massive array of ordnance, the Skyraider took on not only the role of attack aircraft, but also was used incessantly to protect troops on the ground and crews of downed aircraft. It impressive payload earned it the nickname of flying dump truck, while its reliance on a massive radial engine in an otherwise jet age caused others to refer to the Skyraider as the Spad, an homage to the WWI fighter. The story of this historic aircraft is told through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of preserved examples, illuminated through detailed captions. Large clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, puts the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft.

By David Doyle

Size: 9″ x 9″ | 177 b/w photos | 112 pp | Binding: hard cover

ISBN: 9780764361326