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Photos from the Frederic Borne collection.

In the 1950s the French Air Force 113 former U.S. Navy Douglas Skyraiders to replace the P-47 Thunderbolts they were then using in Algeria. The first of the Skyraiders was delivered to the French Air Force after being overhauled and fitted with French equipment by Sud-Aviation. The Skyraiders were used till the end of the Algerian war in the close air support role.

The Skyraider remained in limited use by the French Air Force until the 1970s when they were phased out of service and the aircraft were delivered to several countries, including 9 Skyraiders to Gabon.

Presented below are a collection of pictures featuring the Skyraiders during thier service with the Gabonese Air Force.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017561

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017563

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017560
Gabonese Skyraiders and Texans.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017564
The aircraft in the front is Bu. 126956 was recovered from Gabon and returned to France to join the civil register as a warbird. For more information, please check out the Warbird Registry Entry for this aircraft.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017571
Another shot of Bu. 126956. Note the change of the symbol on the tail.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017573
Flight of four Skyraiders (including Bu. 126956 and Bu. 126924) and a Sepecat Jaguar.
Note the painted over national symbols on Bu. 126924.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017568

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017569
Some of the French pilots flying the Gabonese Skyraiders.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017575
Skyraider/Bu. 126912

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017577
Quite an unusual formation. A Skyraider, several Jaguars and a pair of Magisters!

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017578
A Skyraider a little worse for wear after a crash landing.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017580
Flight line with 5 Skyraiders, 4 Texans and 2 Magisters visable.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017581
A Pair of low flying Skyraiders.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017582
A Formation of Jaguars and Magisters led by Skyraider/Bu. 126956.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017583
Some of the French pilots flying the Gabonese Skyraiders. Note the personal weapons.

Douglas AD4 Skyraider Gabonese AF - WRG# 0017584
Another view of the pilots.

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