*Trumpets and fireworks relentlessly intensifies

Happy New Year!

Let's start our first scratch in 2026!

And so now I do this "12:00 AM plen" for no one asked, as I'm now at UTC+7;v

"Eddie Rickenbacker Pro Max"~

Douglas A-1 Skyraider

The Douglas A-1 Skyraider (originally designated AD before 1962) is a classic American single-engine attack aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company toward the end of World War II. Although it arrived too late to see combat in that conflict, it went on to serve with distinction in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, remaining in frontline use well into the era of jet aircraft — a remarkable feat for a piston-engine warplane.

Powered by a robust Wright R-3350 radial engine, the Skyraider could carry enormous payloads — often up to 8,000 lbs of bombs, rockets and other ordnance on numerous external hardpoints — while its long endurance and rugged structure made it invaluable for close air support, strike missions, and even search-and-rescue escort roles.

Its operational career spanned from the late 1940s through the early 1970s with U.S. forces, and even into the 1980s with other air arms.

Possible Aircraft Nicknames:

• “Spad” : The most enduring nickname, referencing the French WWI SPAD fighters and highlighting the Skyraider’s old-school prop-driven design in the jet age.

• “Able Dog” : A phonetic NATO-style play on its AD designation.

• “Super Spad” : A slightly embellished variant used by some fans.

• “The Flying Dumptruck” : A tongue-in-cheek community favorite reflecting its incredible payload capacity.

• “Old Faithful” : A nod to its reliability and longevity.

• “Sandy” : This became a radio call sign and nickname used especially during Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions where A-1s escorted helicopters and provided suppressive fire.

• “Hobo”, “Firefly”, “Zorro”, etc. : Various unit-specific call signs that doubled as informal nicknames in squadron lore.

• “Fat Face,” “Guppy”, “Q-Bird” : Nicknames typically tied to specific variants of the Skyraider with distinctive fuselage or mission modifications.

• “Crazy Water Buffalo” : A colorful nickname reportedly used by South Vietnamese forces.

• I'm so sorry there above currently is the only nickname i found and no more information about any aircraft's nicknames. But just add yours in the comments, let's discuss :)

- About the variant

AD-6 (A-1H)

Single-seat attack aircraft with three dive brakes, centerline station stressed for 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of ordnance, 30 in (760 mm) in diameter, combination 14 in (360 mm) and 30 in (760 mm) bomb ejector and low/high altitude bomb director; 713 built

C O N T R O L S
Trim : Flaps, cruising 'rotate' adjuster
VTOL : Further flaps