A-1J Skyraider U.S. Air Force Tamiya-61073

Description

Also known as Dauntless II, AD, A-1 Able Dog and Spad, the Douglas Skyraider spent nearly 30 years in service.
Its development began in June 1944 and its first flight was completed in March 1945, so it was not ready in time to enter combat during World War II, its firing debut coming during the Korean War.
Seven versions of the Douglas Skyraider were produced. The AD-7 version (the last of them) mounted a Wright R-3350-26WB engine which allowed it to reach a maximum speed of 530 km/h, in addition to the engine change, the wing masts were also reinforced, otherwise, this version was practically identical to the previous AD-6. Later the US Navy decided to standardize the names of their aircraft so the AD-7 became known as the A-1J (which is the one reproduced in this 1/48th scale Tamiya model).
The A-1J Skyraiders sent to Vietnam (Tamiya box drawing) were integrated into the Special Operations Command and were armed with Mk82 and Mk116 bombs and 20mm guns mounted on their wings.