In these old prop driven aircraft, used by the US in the Korean War,
the Vietnamese pilots did not go north nor did they lust for air to air
combat. Although not frequently in the AO Orange area, when they were around
you could count on down and dirty support. The A-1E could carry an
awesome load of iron bombs and cannon ammunition. With tailored flight suits,
long and colorful scarves and their cockpit slid open, these pilots did an
outstanding job. They played a macho game and I loved to have them playing
on my side.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 50 ft. 1/4 in.
Length: 40 ft.
Height: 15 ft. 9 5/8 in.
Weight: 24,872 lbs. max.
Armament: Four 20mm cannons and a wide assortment of bombs, rockets, mines,
grenades, flares and gun pods.
Engine: Wright R-3350 of 2,700 hp.
Cost: $414,000 (1960s)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 325 mph.
Cruising speed: 240 mph.
Range: 1,500 miles
Service Ceiling: 26,200 ft.
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