[Coming Soon] A-1H Skyraider, Snakeye bombs and “surprise”

Historical Note

The A-1H Skyraider was the most mass-produced version of Douglas' AD series of American ground support aircraft. In this version of the strike aircraft, special attention was paid to its survivability. More than 700 units of the A-1H Skyraider were produced.

Despite the fact that by the beginning of the Vietnam War these aircraft were already considered obsolete, they received new types of weapons and took an active part in combat. They were used by both the U.S. Navy and Air Force, as well as the South Vietnamese Air Force. After the surrender, the A-1H Skyraider warplanes went to the armed forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. However, they had limited use because of a shortage of spare parts.

A-1H Skyraider (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Snakeye bombs, huge arsenal, heavy payload weight, forward-firing weapons.
• Weaknesses: unable to break away from fighters, rapid loss of energy.
• Opportunities: base bombing, small ground targets attack, a unique “toilet bomb”.
• Threats: fighters.

In battle

The A-1H Skyraider is a true master of the attack aircraft: a tough, reasonably fast airplane with a very high payload weight and a wide range of available armament. The main difference between the late and early A-1H Skyraider was the increase in armament mounting points and payload weight.

Along with the A-1H Skyraider, the game introduces Snakeye Tail retarded bombs – special bombs with a parachute or air brake, which are very convenient to drop from low altitude.

On 15 (fifteen!) points of armament suspension pilot A-1H Skyraider can place a truly gigantic arsenal – free-fall and Snakeye bombs in calibers up to 2000 lb, blocks with unguided rockets Zuni, HVAR and small Mighty Mouse ( these can be taken more than 200 pieces), machine gun mounts with six-barrel miniguns.

The most unusual weapon would be an earthenware toilet bowl that could be attached under the starboard wing. The “Battle Toilet” was dropped by a Douglas A-1 Skyraider strike aircraft from the VA-25 squadron based on the aircraft carrier Midway. The “bomb” was provided with a frame to allow it to be attached to an underwing pylon with a tail fin taken from a real air dropped bomb. The “toilet bomb” does little damage, but looks quite effective!

In addition to the suspended armament, the A-1H Skyraider is armed with four 20mm cannons in the wing consoles with a solid supply of shells.

The A-1H Skyraider loses in speed to fighters, but performs quite well. It should be remembered that the aircraft tends to lose energy quickly in turns, so it is desirable to avoid sharp maneuvers.

Depending on its armament, the Skyraider can be played either as a bomb carrier, tasked with carrying dangerous cargo and destroying enemy bases in the rear, or as a furious strike aircraft with light bombs and rockets, hunting for small mission targets. Whichever style of combat pilots choose, the A-1H Skyraider will not let them down!

Premium ♠A-1H Skyraider♠︎ (Rank VIII)

The Premium variant of the ♠A-1H Skyraider♠︎ is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The A-1H Skyraider (Rank VIII) will appear in the game in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.