FSX US Navy Douglas A-1 Skyrider VA-95

This free add-on provides a detailed repaint of Tim Conrad’s A-1J Skyrider, featuring authentic US Navy (VA-95) markings from the USS Oriskany. The included texture set pays homage to a classic prop-driven attack aircraft that offered close air support and served in various conflict zones under the US Navy. Created by Henry William, this repaint replicates the distinctive look of the Skyrider assigned to VA-95, making it an appealing choice for virtual pilots interested in historical carrier operations within Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Historical Background of the Douglas A-1 Series

The Douglas A-1 Skyrider (often referred to by its original AD designation) was designed as a sturdy, single-seat aircraft for the US Navy and later used by the US Air Force. Its robust design and powerful radial engine enabled effective low-level attack missions and substantial endurance for combat search-and-rescue sorties. Deployed on carriers like the USS Oriskany, the A-1 excelled at delivering close support to ground operations.

Key Notes About This Repaint

• Developer Credits: Created by Henry William for Tim Conrad’s freeware A-1J Skyrider model.
• Realistic Markings: Presents VA-95’s naval scheme tied to the storied USS Oriskany.
• Sim Compatibility: Specifically designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, preserving accurate details in the cockpit and external textures.
• Installation: Requires the standalone A-1J Skyrider base model from the Fly Away Simulation library.

Installation Workflow

Follow these steps to integrate this repaint into your simulator:

1. Extract the repaint’s files to a temporary or preferred folder.
2. Move the “texture.n2” folder into the main directory of your Tim Conrad A-1J installation. A typical path might be:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\A-1J

3. Open the aircraft.cfg file and locate the existing [fltsim] entries. At the bottom, add the following section, substituting XX for the next sequential number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=A-1J_703-n2
sim=A-1J
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=n2
panel_alias=
sound_alias=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=39703
atc_id_color=
atc_parking_types=
atc_parking_code=
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_createdby="Piglet's Peculiar Planes"
ui_type=A-1J
ui_variation=US NAVY VA-95
description=Prop Driven CSAR and Close Support Aircraft
visual_damage=1

Additional Tips

After saving the aircraft.cfg, your new repaint will appear in the aircraft selection menu under Douglas, A-1J, with the US Navy VA-95 variation. Ensure you have properly installed the freeware A-1J base package before loading this repaint.

Credits: Henry William