Skyraiders of Gabon

[Scott Rose]

I just put together a small pictorial involving the Skyraiders operated by the Gabonese Air Force in the mid 70's

[Liberator]

As i recall, the Vietnam Veterans museum in Australia is planning to import of one these Gabon airframes ... all going well.

[The Inspector]

Then ya better run some pix of the Chad Spads Dad-

[Scott Rose]

Inspector, If someone submits some pictures I will gladly put together a pictorial.

BTW, added nearly a dozen new pictures to the article.

[Robbie Stuart]

Big interest in Skyraiders here. thanks for some history I was not aware of.

[leo]

Anyone have an idea why the crash landed bird has it's wings folded?

[Zac Yates]

As i recall, the Vietnam Veterans museum in Australia is planning to import of one these Gabon airframes ... all going well.

You should know: as I recall, you were the one who broke the news on every forum under the sun!

[51fixer]

Anyone have an idea why the crash landed bird has it's wings folded?

Probably to access the 20 mm cannon and its ammo.
There is an onboard elect hyd pump and based on how it sits they folded the wings where it sat.
I worked on both Dick Bertea's and Naked Fanny while at Chino. Neat to see some of their history told.
I forgot which one but there was evidence of a breech explosion in the wing fold area on the L/H side on one of them. Shell ejector chute was deformed and hammered back along with shrapnel marks on the rib you see with the wings folded.

[leo]

Thanks!
I knew someone would know.