A-1 "SPAD" Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

Sale price$29.99 USD

Tax excluded.

Color: Navy
Size: S
Short Sleeve T-Shirt Size Chart
  
SIZE
LENGTH (inch/cm)
WIDTH (inch/cm)
XS
27.0
68.6
16.5
41.9
S
28.0
71.1
18.0
45.7
M
29.0
73.7
20.0
50.8
L
30.0
76.2
22.0
55.9
XL
31.0
78.7
24.0
61.0
2XL
32.0
81.3
26.0
66.0
3XL
33.0
83.8
28.0
71.1
4XL
34.0
86.4
30.0
76.2
The A-1 Skyraider, originally designated the AD Skyraider, was a single-seat, propeller-driven attack aircraft that served the U.S. military from 1946 to 1973. Designed during World War II, it was too late to see action in that conflict but became a critical asset in the Korean War and Vietnam War due to its ruggedness, long loiter time, and ability to carry a massive payload of up to 8,000 pounds. Nicknamed the "Spad" by its pilots, the name referenced the SPAD fighter aircraft of World War I and reflected the Skyraider’s "old-school" piston-engine design in the Jet Age, much like the SPAD biplanes were seen as relics by WWII. Despite its perceived anachronism, the Skyraider was beloved for its reliability and effectiveness, excelling in close air support (CAS), search-and-rescue (SAR), and ground attack missions.

A total of 3,180 Skyraiders were built between 1945 and 1957, including multiple variants for night attack, electronic warfare, and multi-seat configurations. During the Vietnam War, the Skyraider was heavily used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF), with 266 aircraft lost in combat and operational accidents, including 65 Navy and 201 Air Force losses. Many of these occurred during dangerous SAR missions, where Skyraiders (nicknamed "Sandy" in this role) escorted helicopters and suppressed enemy fire to protect downed pilots and rescue crews.

The Skyraider was retired from U.S. service in 1973, replaced by more modern jet-powered aircraft like the A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II, but it continued to serve with the RVNAF until the fall of Saigon in 1975, with some captured and briefly used by North Vietnam. The A-1 Skyraider left a lasting legacy as one of the most effective and reliable attack aircraft of its time.
Comfortable nice material

Michael R

True size, very good quality  !!! Thank You

Jozef S