The origins of the A-1 Skyraider date back to 1944 when the United States Navy put out a request to Douglas Aircraft Corporation to develope a new single engine, single pilot, piston engined driven assault aircraft to replace the venerable SBD Dauntless type naval bomber.  Work proceeded towards building a prototype of this new design and an example was ready for flight testing in the summer of 1945.  World War II finally came to an end in September, 1945, however, which resulted in the project moving ahead but at a slower pace.  With the beginning of the Korean War in 1950, the A-1 Skyraider was finally able to prove itself.  The Skyraider provided much needed tactical and close in air support for troops fighting on the ground and could deliver all manner of ordnance including bombs, missiles and rockets.  Following the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, the A-1 Skraider seemed destined to be replaced by faster, more modern jet fighter bombers but ultimately was not.  With the beginning of the United States involvement in the Vietnam war in 1963 , the A-1 Skyraider was brought in to again provide tactical and close in air support to soldiers fighting in the jungles of this Southeast Asian country.  Additional sub variants were created in the field allowing this aircraft type to serve both the United States Navy and Air Force along with the South Vietnam Airforce.  The "Sandy" A-1 H, which is the subject of this model, could fly low and slow for hours over the battlefield and was often called in to protect downed American pilots until rescue helicopters could lift them to safety.  This older "Sandy" A-1 H Vietnam model is modled in gray plastic and includes the following features: 1) Authentic markings for an aircraft flown by 514th Fighter Squadron (South Vietnam) and at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, U.S.A.; 2) Clear multi-piece plastic canopy; 3) Clear plastic gun sight; 4) Detailed cockpit; 5) Detailed landing gear; 6) Recessed panel lines; 7) Two underwing drop tanks; 8) Paint guide and 9) Illustrated assembly instructions.  The box is in very good condition but does have two tape tears on either end of the package.   Never started and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions inventoried.