Skyraider 134630 at NMUSAF?

[Ken]

Well, the answer is "in" via this photo from SpadGuy Hukee. A-1H 134600 went straight to the VNAF and, as far as we know, did not serve with the USAF. Hopefully the restoration staff has the time & budget to get her antennas right and get her looking as much like "PA" as possible. (The Vietnamese were already kind enough to "donate" a tailhook. )

In my mind, as NMUSAF had already chosen to mark her as "PA", her lack of USAF service makes her an even better choice. The markings of 139738 "Proud American" will honor not only MOH Col William Jones, but also 738 herself; the last A-1 downed in combat in SEA, 9/22/72.

Thanks Hook!

photos from SpadGuy/skyraider.org

[BOF]

Excellent news to see that one has been identified, now for the other at at Hill!

Barry Fryer

[BOF]

Just looking at all the pics again I'm presuming that BuNo plate is the inside of the cockpit edge - how the hell did I miss that when I examined them a AMARC/Davis Monthan in 1998. Dear oh dear! Now I realise why Byron was asking about 134600 in the other thread!

Barry Fryer

[Ken]

Well, you weren't the only one as the AF Museum was about to give up on the identity. The plate pictured, AFAIK, is not standard and was only visible after a lot of cleaning and some paint removal.

[Ken]

Fast forward to ... the restoration is complete and we dedicated the airplane on Friday.

https://youtu.be/oOwLo8uLZEk

[AG pilot]

Just beautiful!

[mazdaP5]

Went to Wright Patt today! So clean for a Skyraider.

[Zac Yates]

Absolutely brilliant! Well done to all involved.

[Adam Kline]

At what point will you finish the plane? Where are all the oil stains? Brilliant job.

[Zac Yates]

The museum has uploaded a 36min video on the restoration: https://youtu.be/A_1P0DPjxd8