As one of the most versatile and successful single-engine propeller attack aircraft ever built, the Skyraider was designed in 1944, made its initial flight in 1945, and entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1947.

At the conclusion of its production in 1957 with the AD-7, Skyraiders had been built in thirty different models including antisubmarine and electronic warfare variations, for a total of 3,180 aircraft. 

Given the nickname of "The Spad" because of its venerable longevity on active service with the Navy, the Skyraider was the standard dive-bomber and ground support aircraft flying both from land bases and carriers in Korea and throughout the Vietnam War.