The Don Englebreston Collection

Restored A-1 Skyraider ('Spad') Climbing Out After Takeoff, Rear-Quarter View

Restored A-1 Skyraider ('Spad') Climbing Out After Takeoff, Rear-Quarter View

A restored A-1 Skyraider, nicknamed the 'Spad' by the aircrews who flew it, climbs out after a demonstration pass. Rugged and heavily armed, the Skyraider served as a mainstay close air support and rescue escort aircraft during the Vietnam War, prized for its ability to loiter over the battlefield and absorb battle damage that would down faster jets. Project: 219291