Hobby Master HA2922 Douglas A-1H "The Proud American" 52-139738, 1st SOS, NKP Royal Thai AFB, June 1972 - RRP £102.99

Limited Edition of only 500 Models Worldwide

In 1972, USAF 1st Special Operations Squadron operated Skyraiders from bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War. A-1H #52-139738, nicknamed 'The Proud American', was associated with pilot Ronald Smith and carried distinctive nose art reflecting crew identity and morale. The A-1H was used for close air support and combat search and rescue escort missions, providing cover for downed aircrew and ground forces. Its long endurance and heavy armament made it highly effective in these roles. Crews of the 1st SOS flew demanding missions in hostile conditions, contributing significantly to rescue and support operations.

Douglas A-1H Skyraider

Designed by Douglas' chief engineer Ed Heinemann, the A1 was first flown on March 18th, 1945. Used in Vietnam for close air support and for providing cover for combat rescue missions, the Skyraider was valued for its ability to devastate enemy ground targets. It had four 20-mm guns installed in the wings, and could be equipped with additional combinations of bombs, mines, gun pods and rockets. The Skyraider was large for a single-engine, single-seat low monoplane-its bigger-than-average fuselage had plenty of space for modification and could be used for carrying passengers, medical provisions or heavy cargo.