Jean-Louis Gaynecoetche | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Designed during World War II as a carrier-based dive bomber and torpedo-carrier it was the first single-seater in this category. The Skyraider missed the opportunity to fight against the Japanese, however, in the major conflicts which raged in Korea and Vietnam over the next two decades it was intensively used and proved to be a very efficient and outstanding weapon. The Americans were not the only ones to use the Skyraider in action. At the end of the 1950s the French were involved in a colonial conflict in Algeria and at that time they were looking for a successor for their aging P-47 Thunderbolts, which had been delivered during World War II.The Skyraider was available in large numbers, as the USN had withdrawn the early versions from use, and this aircraft was selected. The Skyraider participated in the last stages of the Algerian confrontation and, against all odds, it remained in service with the French Air Force into the 1970s. The aircraft was based at various times in African Countries and occasionally they were used in action. The true story of the Skyraider in French service is told in 56 pages including maps, color profiles, and over 40 photos - many in color.