A U.S. Air Force A-1 Skyraider fires up its Wright R-3350 radial engine on the flight line, enveloped in the characteristic cloud of white smoke produced by a cold start. Painted with a distinctive shark-mouth motif, this rugged single-seat attack aircraft was prized in Vietnam for its long loiter time, heavy ordnance load, and survivability at low altitude, making it a mainstay of close air support and 'Sandy' search-and-rescue escort missions. Ground crew members, essential to keeping these aircraft combat-ready, are shown assisting with the start sequence. Project: 219353