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A-1 Skyraider

Miltech Simulations

KOREAVIETNAMSPADA1HAEW

4.4/5 (48)

In Partnership with Blackbird Simulations.

The Skyraider is a legendary aircraft, renowned for its rugged design, unmatched versatility, and ability to carry an extraordinary payload. Serving with distinction throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Skyraider earned its place in history as the ultimate close air support and ground-attack platform. It is one of the most important and remembered carrier-based aircraft of the second half of the 20th century, and among the few that successfully transitioned to large-scale land-based operations. With over 3,000 aircraft built and more than four decades of service, it was a true workhorse of military aviation.

Ultra-Detailed 3D Model: Hand-crafted ultra-detailed 3D models by the talented team at Blackbird Simulations

3 Variants, +20 Liveries: The three most popular variants - A1-H, AD-3, and AD-4 are included, with over 20 liveries from many of the important historical operators of the type. 

Weapons Systems: Weapon systems are limited to COSMETIC DISPLAY ONLY. No functionality or damage is simulated.

  • LAU-68 and LAU-10 rockets, Mk-82/83/84 bombs, the Mk-117, and even the historic “Toilet Bomb.”
  • Fully configurable pylons - mix and match weapons of your choice.

Comprehensive System Simulation:

  • VHF radios system (adapted from the original UHF panel on the real aircraft).
  • Mixed-era navigation suite: authentic 1950s ADF as the primary aid, plus optional modern GPS (PMS GTN750), with full VOR/ILS support through GTN-tuned frequencies.
  • Included primitive autopilot system, accurately modeled for an aircraft of this era. Supports Pitch and Bank Hold modes.
  • Optional radar scope on variants equipped with the large radar antenna, capable of displaying nearby traffic.

Engine, Failures and Special Effects:

  • Fully simulated two-stage supercharger (Low/High Blower), requiring proper management of blower shifts to maintain manifold pressure and avoid engine stress.
  • Optional Engine Failure System simulates realistic mechanical failures based on engine misuse, including overheating, overboost, fuel starvation, and prop strikes; once failure occurs, the engine cannot be restarted.
  • Realistic vibrations, rattles and a few "Vietnam-inspired Easter-eggs" around the cockpit.

Optional Modern GPS: One modern GPS option has been included for your cross-country flights: the PMS50 GTN750.

  • XBOX: PMS50 GTN750 is available separatelt, for purchase in the MSFS Marketplace.
  • PC: PMS50 GTN750 Must be installed Separately (available in both free and paid versions here: https://pms50.com/ and the MSFS Marketplace).

Incredible Soundset: Crafted by Echo 19 using authentic recordings captured from one of the few remaining aircraft still in operation.

The A-1 Skyraider is an American single-seat, single-engine, carrier-capable attack airplane. One of the last piston-powered military aircraft produced, the Skyraider, dubbed the “Spad” after the French World War I biplane, took its first flight on March 18, 1945 and entered service in 1946.

The Skyraider, which was developed to be a fusion of a dive bomber and a torpedo carrier, primarily served the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. It also was used by the militaries of several other countries that included Chad, Cambodia, France, and the United Kingdom. With a long loiter time, 15 hardpoints, and a payload capacity of 8,000 pounds, the Skyraider proved to be a legendary aerial fighting machine in the Korean and Vietnam wars, notably for close air support missions.

The A-1 features a low main wing with a span of just over 50 feet, a traditional undercarriage, and a standard tail unit. It is powered by a single 18-cylinder radial piston engine that produces up to 2,700 horsepower and turns a four-blade, constant-speed propeller. It has a maximum range of 1,316 miles, a service ceiling of 28,500 feet above sea level, a maximum climb rate of 2,850 feet per minute, and a top speed of 322 miles per hour.