Important Museum Update

After thirty-one years at its Addison location, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum is closing for moving. All aircraft, educational displays and memorabilia are being moved to the North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI).

 

At the present time, this location is not open to the public.

 

 

Please sign up below, in order to receive updates on the progress of the museum as we begin a new chapter in its history.

 

To all that have supported the museum over the years – visitors, volunteers, donors and staff – thank you for helping keep these magnificent artifacts of time on display and available for generations to experience the rich history that these aircraft reveal to us.

 

Douglas AD-6 / A-1H Skyraider

Developed at a time when faster swept wing jet aircraft were becoming prominent, the piston engine straight winged AD Skyraider (redesignated A-1 in 1962) filled a vital niche for the United States Navy, Marines and Air Force.

Ed Heinemann of Douglas Aircraft Co. designed the Skyraider in response to a US Navy requirement for a single place carrier based long range dive-bomber / torpedo attack aircraft. The prototype Skyraider first flew on March 18, 1945. The first production AD-1, delivered in December 1946, went into service in Navy Fighter Squadron Nineteen (VA-19A).

The plane played an important role in the Korean War. Flown by Navy and Marine squadrons, the Skyraider was the backbone of close air support and ground attack operations. Its powerful Wright R-3350 radial engine and ample fuel load gave it a large combat radius, especially compared to jets of the period while its large straight wing and seven hardpoints per wing, gave it excellent low speed maneuverability plus the ability to carry a large amount of ordnance.

Years later, in the Vietnam War, the Skyraider again proved its usefulness flying ground attack support missions for the Navy and Air Force, and a new mission: Search and Rescue. Affectionately known as " Sandys," Skyraiders would fly to the location of a downed pilot and stay on site, laying down smoke, napalm, rockets and 20 mm fire to cover the rescue. Though the plane was never designed for air to air combat, Navy Skyraider pilots shot down two MiG-17 jet fighters, a further testament to its abilities.

 

Douglas manufactured a total of 3,180 Skyraiders  in seven variations. The AD-6 was an improved version of the AD-4 single-seat attack aircraft with updated avionics and bomb racks and a long ventral airbrake as on the AD-5. Production of the AD-6 totaled 713 aircraft.

 

The AD-6 on display, Bureau No. 139606 (Serial No. 52-139606) was accepted by the United States Navy on August 29, 1955. It served in the following units: Attack Squadron 215 (VA-215) based at NAS Moffett Field from September 1955 to August 1956 when VA-215 deployed aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31). Following the Western Pacific (Westpac) cruise, in March 1957, to NAS Alameda for overhaul and repair. The next assignment was VA-145 based at NAS Miramar, October, 1957. In January 1959, VA-145 deployed aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61). After the Westpac cruise 139606 went into storage at NAS Litchfield Park and in September 1960, to NAS Quonset Point for overhaul and repair. In December 1960, 139606 was assigned to VA-122 stationed at NAS North Island until Agust 1961 when VA-122 moved to NAS Moffett Field. In November 1962, 139606 returned to NAS Quonset Point for Overhaul and repair. In April 1963, 139606 was assigned to VA-165 at NAS Moffett Field. In August, VA-165 deployed aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34).  Following the Westpac cruise, VA-165 went to NAS Alameda. In January 1965, VA-165 deployed aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). Following the Westpac Cruise, 139606 went to NAS Alameda until September when it returned NAS Quonset Point for Overhaul and Repair. In January 1966, 139606 was assigned to VA-176 and deployed aboard USS Intrepid (CVA-11). The final Naval assignment was VA-122 based at NAS Lemoore and served there from March 1967 until August 1967 when it was transferred to Davis Monthan AFB, ending its Naval service.

 

After Naval service, 52-139606 was transferred to the U.S. Air Force and served with the 6th SOS (Special Operations Squadron) call signs "Spad" operated from Pleiku and Da Nang. In 1972 it was transferred to the South Vietnamese Air Force and served in the 518th Fighter Squadron call sign "Dragon" of the 23rd Tactical Wing from Bien Hoa Air Base.

 

The Cavanaugh Flight Museum added 139606 to its collection in 2016. The plane is painted in the colors and markings it wore wile in service with the 6th Special Operations Squadron.

 

AD-6 / A-1H Skyraider T-Shirt

 

Click HERE for AD-6 / A-1H Skyraider T-Shirt

 

 

 

 

*This Aircraft is available for your airshow!*

 

 

 

ENGINE Wright R-3350-26W developing 3,020 h.p.
ARMAMENT 4 - 20MM Cannons & up to 8,000 lbs of ordnance
WING SPAN 50 feet
LENGTH 38 feet, 10 inches
HEIGHT 15 feet, 8 inches
MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT 25,000 pounds
TOTAL BUILT 3,180
FIRST BUILT 1945
MUSEUM'S AIRCRAFT BUILT  
NOT CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY AT Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Addison Airport (KADS), Dallas, Texas
CRUISE SPEED 205 m.p.h.
RANGE 1,300 miles
SERVICE CEILING 32,000 feet
BUREAU NUMBER   139606
SERIAL NUMBER   52-139606

Joomla template created with Artisteer.