Douglas EA-1E Skyraider

The history of the Skyraider began during WW II when Douglas submitted a design to the U.S. Navy for the XBT2D-1 as a replacement for the famous SBD dive-bomber. The result was a new airplane designated as the “AD” which made its first flight on March 18, 1945. For the next 12 years there was constant improvement in the airplane up through the AD-7, and 3,180 Skyraiders were delivered to the Navy, many of which were used during the Korean War. In 1963, the U.S. Air Force began a program to modify the AD-5 Skyraider for service in Vietnam and redesignated it the A-1E. Because of its ability to carry large bomb loads, absorb heavy ground fire, and fly for long periods at low altitude, the A-1E was particularly suited for close-support missions.

This aircraft arrived at the museum on 11 May 2006 from Oshkosh, WI; it is on loan from the U.S. Navy. Although the specific history of this aircraft is yet to be researched, the exterior painted markings indicate the squadron was VAW 11 and that this aircraft was an EA-1E, the carrier airborne early warning version of the A-1.