Bruce has it!
Douglas A-1/AD-X Skyraider
My father worked on these as a machinist's mate in the USN in the 50's. I think he worked on the carrier based AD-4s as in this picture. He was based on the USS Kearsarge. He also described riding in the rear fuse as the "second crew member". Some were actually fitted out with a seat back there. Here is a pic, the rear position in the AD-3W (electronic warfare variant):
There are few that can surpass the Skyraider in terms of adaptability, durability and longevity. Forty years of service in nearly every role in every branch of the military except the US Army. Also used by nine other countries. A truly epic aircraft.
Interesting facts about the Skyraider:
- Ed Heinemann completed the rough design in one night, in a hotel room
- Very long list of nicknames
- “Spad” or “Super Spad” in reference to French WWI fighter
- “Able Dog” as the 1950s phonetic for AD
- “Queer Spad” or “Q-Bird” for the electronic warfare-specific variants
- “Guppy”
- “Flying Dumptruck”
- “Old Faithful”
- “Old Miscellaneous”
- “Destroyer”
- “The Big Gun”
- “Fat Face”
- The Vietnamese called it the “Crazy Water Buffalo.”
- Often used for search and rescue, even though this was not its primary role
- Flown by at least one medal of honor recipient
One more... Cockpit of the A-1E/H two seater:
Over to you Bruce.
Gary
__________________
Gary Hethcoat
Building: 43" Heinkel He 100
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