USAF A-1H vs. A-1J

[SWApilot]

Okay, this post is bred out of pure ignorance. I would really like to build the USAF A-1H “Bubbles 'n Bust” in the night time interdiction paint scheme as shown in Eli's decal sheet USAF A-1H/J Skyraiders in the Vietnam War. So, what are the differences between the USAF A-1H and the A-1J, and can the new ZM U.S. Air Force Douglas A-1J be built as an A-1H?

[Guest]

Actually, most of the AF bird is in the Navy kit. Just different wheels and several antenna. The AF seat and extraction system IS included. Hope this helps......Harv

Edited September 18, 2012 by Guest

[Darren Howie]

I think different wheels and also I think there may be a diff in the nav light setup on the wingtips.

Weapons obviously very different..

 

[thierry laurent]

Hi,

 

US Navy and USAF used A-1H and A-1J! The types have NOTHING to do with the user! From a modeller standpoint, there is no obvious difference between the H & J marks!

 

In fact, USAF H/J were produced from Navy H/J. The planes were used by different Navy units. When they were replaced by jets, they were refurbished in the US to be delivered to the USAF and sent in SEA. Surviving AF ones were finally transfered to the SVNAF.

 

So the visible differences are depending on the user, not on the type!

 

The list of changes between the Navy and AF planes:

 

- Seat and control stick (unused part in ZM Navy kit)

- Canopy cylinder (ditto)

- Tail landing gear wheel (ditto)

 

Unfortunately, the other parts are on a new sprue (NOT in the ZM Navy kit):

 

-Upper fuselage FM622 Whip & UHF blade antennae, tail tip blade antenna and lower fuselage VHF/FM antenna (note that there were antenna variations)

-Main wings tips with taxi lights

-Main landing gear plain wheel hubs

 

 

HTH

[SWApilot]

Thanks for all of the inputs, they all helped greatly. Sounds like the ZM USAF A-1J will allow me to build the A-1H that I want, so now it is off to spend money!!!!!! :frantic: