Kookaburra2011
1963: A Douglas A-1 Skyraider from USS CORAL SEA at RANAS Nowra - Kim Dunstan.
2798. Kim Dunstan's aircraft notes for this classic aircraft, a piston-engined precursor the A4 Skyhawk jet, but one with unique advantages:
Kim writes: 'This US Navy A-1 Skyraider attack bomber, in a gray/white colour scheme, was photographed at RANAS Nowra in 963, when it came with the visiting USS CORAL SEA. The Skyraider was designed for the USN as a carrier borne, long-range, dive/torpedo bomber. It was fitted with the powerful Wright R-3350 radial engine and first took to the air in 1945. It had a maximum speed of 320 mph and cruising speed 295 mph. The Skyraiders large wings gave them excellent low speed manoeuvrability and the ability to carry up to 8,000 lbs of ordnance over considerable distances. Wing-mounted 20mm cannons gave them added sting.
More than 3,100 Skyraiders were built, enjoying a long service period (1950-70s), with a variety of models adapted for different roles. This was unusual for a propeller-driven aircraft in the jet age, but their ability to carry heavy loads and linger (up to 10-hours endurance) surpassed the jets of the time. Their rugged build and armour against ground fire meant the Skyraider was in demand as a ground attack aircraft and was used extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars – by the US Navy, Marines, USAF - and other foreign air forces.
The Skyraider had a long and successful career but was finally replaced in the 1960s by the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. The legend goes that the Skyraider also inspired the later jet-powered A-10 Thunderbolt. However, there is no question about the Skyraider being one of the outstanding aircraft of naval aviation.'
Some further information on this particular aircraft that Kim has kindly obtained from Mr Fabio Pena, Manager, Aircraft Carriers & Escort Carriers Archives, at NavSource Naval History, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving US naval history.
Fabio states that this Skyraider is from the USS CORAL SEA, which visited Sydney in 1963. Originally the aircraft was assigned to the Attack Squadron (VA) 152 ‘Friendlies’ Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, which had been deployed to the Western Pacific aboard USS HANCOCK in 1959-1960. The squadron then transferred to USS CORAL SEA in 1960-61, 1961-62 and 1963.
Photo Kimberley Dunstan RAN 1958-1967, and kindly sent for the Unofficial RAN Centenary 1911-2011 Photostream.
1963: A Douglas A-1 Skyraider from USS CORAL SEA at RANAS Nowra - Kim Dunstan.
2798. Kim Dunstan's aircraft notes for this classic aircraft, a piston-engined precursor the A4 Skyhawk jet, but one with unique advantages:
Kim writes: 'This US Navy A-1 Skyraider attack bomber, in a gray/white colour scheme, was photographed at RANAS Nowra in 963, when it came with the visiting USS CORAL SEA. The Skyraider was designed for the USN as a carrier borne, long-range, dive/torpedo bomber. It was fitted with the powerful Wright R-3350 radial engine and first took to the air in 1945. It had a maximum speed of 320 mph and cruising speed 295 mph. The Skyraiders large wings gave them excellent low speed manoeuvrability and the ability to carry up to 8,000 lbs of ordnance over considerable distances. Wing-mounted 20mm cannons gave them added sting.
More than 3,100 Skyraiders were built, enjoying a long service period (1950-70s), with a variety of models adapted for different roles. This was unusual for a propeller-driven aircraft in the jet age, but their ability to carry heavy loads and linger (up to 10-hours endurance) surpassed the jets of the time. Their rugged build and armour against ground fire meant the Skyraider was in demand as a ground attack aircraft and was used extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars – by the US Navy, Marines, USAF - and other foreign air forces.
The Skyraider had a long and successful career but was finally replaced in the 1960s by the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. The legend goes that the Skyraider also inspired the later jet-powered A-10 Thunderbolt. However, there is no question about the Skyraider being one of the outstanding aircraft of naval aviation.'
Some further information on this particular aircraft that Kim has kindly obtained from Mr Fabio Pena, Manager, Aircraft Carriers & Escort Carriers Archives, at NavSource Naval History, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving US naval history.
Fabio states that this Skyraider is from the USS CORAL SEA, which visited Sydney in 1963. Originally the aircraft was assigned to the Attack Squadron (VA) 152 ‘Friendlies’ Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, which had been deployed to the Western Pacific aboard USS HANCOCK in 1959-1960. The squadron then transferred to USS CORAL SEA in 1960-61, 1961-62 and 1963.
Photo Kimberley Dunstan RAN 1958-1967, and kindly sent for the Unofficial RAN Centenary 1911-2011 Photostream.