FSX USAF Douglas A-1H Skyraider 34-526

This add-on provides a historically inspired repaint for a Douglas A-1H Skyraider, representing aircraft number 34-526 from the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1972. Although configured for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this detailed texture set requires the original freeware A-1J model by Tim Conrad for proper functionality. The repaint, assembled by Jens-Ole Kjolberg, features a distinctive scheme with minimal tail markings, accompanied by a tri-colored rudder band and an accurate depiction of its service transition to the VNAF later that same year.

Noteworthy Historical Context

The single-seat Douglas Skyraider, introduced after World War II, built a legendary reputation for its high endurance and close air-support effectiveness. By the early 1970s, the A-1H variant was heavily deployed in Southeast Asia, assisting specialized operations. The real-life 34-526, assigned to the 1st SOS, operated from Nakhon Phanom RTAFB and was among the last Skyraiders in USAF service before it was handed over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF). Its unusual markings lacked a formal squadron tail code, making it stand out among other A-1H frames on the flight line.

Key Features of This Repaint

• Accurate Color Palette: Reflects the non-standard finish used by the 1st Special Operations Squadron.
• Minimal Tail Markings: Includes only the aircraft’s serial number and a red, white, and blue band on the rudder, as reported during its final operational months in USAF service.
• Historically Informed Details: Incorporates the transitional period’s markings prior to its transfer to the VNAF.
• Compatibility: Formatted for the freeware A-1J Skyraider by Tim Conrad, ensuring a seamless add-on installation.

Installation Steps for Microsoft Flight Simulator X

This repaint only provides the texture files and does not include the base aircraft model. You will require Tim Conrad’s original A-1J Skyraider freeware, which can usually be found in the Fly Away Simulation library.

1. Unzip the texture bitmaps (.bmp) into your main A-1J Skyraider folder, with the file path structure intact.
2. Open the aircraft.cfg file in a text editor and create a new [fltsim.x] entry. Replace x with the next available number in the aircraft listing sequence. Ensure there are no duplicate or skipped numbers.

Below is an example of how the section might appear:

[fltsim.xx] title=A-1H_526 sim=A-1J model= panel= sound= texture=526 panel_alias= sound_alias= kb_checklists= kb_reference= atc_id=526 atc_id_color= atc_parking_types= atc_parking_code= atc_airline=Air Force atc_flight_number= ui_manufacturer=Douglas ui_createdby="Piglet's Peculiar Planes" ui_type=A-1H ui_variation=34-526, 1st SOS, 56th SOW USAF description=USAF A-1H 34-526 of the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand in 1971-72. This airplane was later transferred to the VNAF. Repaint by Jens-Ole Kjølberg visual_damage=1

Developer Recognition

This project is a tribute to the excellent work of Tim Conrad, who originally created the freeware A-1J Skyraider. The repaint detailing and final texture refinements come courtesy of Jens-Ole Kjolberg.