About the A-1H Skyraider – Ground Attack Aircraft:

The A-1H Skyraider appeared to be a dinosaur during the jet age, but the slow speeds of the Skyraider—which reached 325 mph—along with its impressive payload, proved it was the perfect vessel for close-in air support in Southeast Asia. Designed for naval use, the Skyraider’s history almost ended before it began. After the Korean War, the U.S. Navy decided to retire the Skyraider in favor of jet-powered aircraft. Using its surplus, the U.S. Government leased Skyraiders to the Vietnamese Air Force. VNAF pilots were trained by USAF instructors as part of the advisory portion of the Vietnam War. Soon, however, those American pilots began flying combat missions with their Vietnamese counterparts. These early units were nicknamed “Spads,” in homage of the old World War I French biplane.

By 1964, U.S. involvement in Vietnam heightened, and the A-1H Skyraider found itself as part of the 1st Air Commando Squadron of the USAF. Operating under call sign Hobo, the 1st Air Commando Squadron provided close air support to ground forces, support of insertion and extraction of special operation teams, and cover for helicopters. To attack and protect, the Skyraider used its four 20mm cannons, as well as a combination payload of up to 2,000 lbs of bombs, rockets, mines, grenades, flares, and gun pods. The Skyraider’s use paved the way for future slow-moving aircraft with heavy ordinance loads to offer air support to ground forces.

Specifications:

Crew: 1
Armament: 4x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, 15x external hardpoints
Speed: 322 mph (518 km/h, 280 kn) at 18,000 ft (5,500 m)
Range: 1,316 mi (2,118 km, 1,144 nmi)

Additional information about this Brickmania® custom building kit:

This epic build features play functions such as folding wings, working landing gear, opening cockpit, spinning prop, custom pilot minifig, and a brick-built payload. Printed details include wing markings, squadron badges, prop details, and more. Also included are 2x high-quality sticker sheets for additional canopy and fuselage details.

Model Statistics:

Designed by Christopher Binno
1,321 LEGO®, BrickArms®, and Brickmania® elements
1x custom minifig
Custom printed elements
High-quality sticker sheets
Full-color printed building instructions
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits
Advanced Skill Level (6-8 years building experience recommended)

All Brickmania® model kits are made of new-condition LEGO® bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.