Difference between revisions of "AD-4 (France)"

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| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
−
| link = AD (Family)
+
| link = AD Skyraider (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
+
In the late 1950s, France received around 93 AD-4 airframes as part of the US Navy's surplus. 40 Skyraiders were the NA variant meanwhile the rest were AD-4Ns. It featured four 20 mm cannons, a strengthened undercarriage, and other minor changes. Escadron II/20 was the first squadron to receive the Skyraiders in 1960, and two more squadrons would receive them. French Skyraiders were in service for just over ten years until they were considered obsolete and retired.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an extremely effective ground striker. It can utilize many different types of bombs and rockets. In addition, the four 20 mm cannons have ample ammunition and good penetration performance with the armoured target belt. The cannons perform very well against light tanks and medium-strength ground targets like light pillboxes. However, this all comes at the cost of performance. Although the AD-4 has the mighty Wright R-3350-26WA (WA for water injection), it has abysmal manoeuvring energy retention and is overall a heavy aircraft. For a few turns the Skyraider can turn tight but it quickly becomes slow and vulnerable to enemy fighters. Nonetheless, the Skyraider is an excellent ground attack aircraft with an abundance of options for players.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 44: Line 46:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 59: Line 61:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 345 || 252 || ~12 || ~5
+
| 797 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 365 || 345 || 252 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 70: Line 72:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
 
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1,128 m || 2,700 hp || 3,200 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4,920 m || 2,170 hp || 2,679 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 103: Line 83:
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.
  
−
The AD-4 also has a single, large self-sealing fuel tank placed behind the pilot's steel plate. The oil cooling systems are found behind the engine, protected from ground fire by the same steel plates. Both of the steel plates are capable of preventing the penetration of HE shells, as well as thick enough to block AP shells from 7.92 mm machine guns at longer ranges, and 7.62 mm machine guns at all but point blank ranges, giving the AD-4's engine and pilot excellent survivability from rifle-calibre ground fire.
+
The AD-4 also has a single, large self-sealing fuel tank placed behind the pilot's steel plate. The oil cooling systems are found behind the engine, protected from ground fire by the same steel plates. Both of the steel plates are capable of preventing the penetration of HE shells. It is thick enough to block AP shells from 7.92 mm machine guns at longer ranges, and 7.62 mm machine guns at all but point-blank ranges, giving the AD-4's engine and pilot excellent survivability from rifle-calibre ground fire.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 119: Line 99:
 
* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
  
−
The four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted in each wing. Each has an ammunition load of 200 rounds, and all fire simultaneously. All cannons exhaust their ammunition supply at the same time.
+
The four cannons are arranged in bundles of two, mounted in each wing. Each has an ammunition load of 200 rounds, and all fire simultaneously. All cannons exhaust their ammunition supply at the same time.
  
−
The 20 mm M3 is an excellent all-rounder cannon, dealing consistently lethal damage to enemy aircraft with both API-T and HEF-I shells, but also being able to pierce lightly armoured tanks with API-T shells, which can penetrate 27 mm of RHA at 500 m, enough to deal with nearly every light tank the AD-4 will encounter. However, the M3's accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification is exceptionally poor, with hit probabilities outside of 500-600 m becoming very low due to high bullet spread.
+
The 20 mm M3 is an excellent all-rounder cannon, dealing consistently lethal damage to enemy aircraft with both API-T and HEF-I shells, but also being able to pierce lightly armoured tanks with API-T shells, which can penetrate 27 mm of RHA at 500 m, enough to deal with nearly every light tank the AD-4 will encounter. However, the M3's accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification is exceptionally poor, with hit probabilities outside 500-600 m becoming very low due to high bullet spread.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 
−
{{main|HVAR|T10 140|T10 151|Tiny Tim|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="3%" | 1 !! width="3%" | 2 !! width="3%" | 3 !! width="3%" | 4 !! width="3%" | 5 !! width="3%" | 6 !! width="3%" | 7 !! width="3%" | 8 !! width="3%" | 9 !! width="3%" | 10 !! width="3%" | 11 !! width="3%" | 12 !! width="3%" | 13 !! width="3%" | 14 !! width="3%" | 15
 +
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AD-2.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[A.P. AN-MK 33 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)|1,600 lb AN-Mk 1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb AN-M66A2]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || || 1 || || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 78 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[HVAR]] rockets
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[T10 140]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || || || || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[T10 151]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || || || || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tiny Tim]] rockets
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk.13-6 Case (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case]] torpedoes
 +
| || || || || || || || 1 || || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
+
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 3 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (4,800 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
+
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 159: Line 173:
 
The AD-4 is a well-suited aircraft for its primary role — ground attack — and provides the pilot with a large variety of highly effective payload options for dealing with different types of targets. Depending on the pilot's preference, the French AD-4 has access to over twenty options for suspended armaments, consisting mostly of different types of bomb/rocket hybrid payloads.
 
The AD-4 is a well-suited aircraft for its primary role — ground attack — and provides the pilot with a large variety of highly effective payload options for dealing with different types of targets. Depending on the pilot's preference, the French AD-4 has access to over twenty options for suspended armaments, consisting mostly of different types of bomb/rocket hybrid payloads.
  
−
There are three primary rocket selections available to the French AD-4; twelve HVAR rockets, twenty-four T10 151 AP rockets, and twenty-four T10 140 HE rockets. Each rocket type can be used with the full range of hybrid payloads, which includes a Mk.13-1 Case torpedo, two Tiny Tim rockets, or a selection of bomb set-ups including 2,000 lb bombs, 1,000 lb bombs, 500 lb bombs, or combinations of the three as listed above. Your choices will vary based on your expected target type and game mode. T10 T151 rockets plus two Tiny Tims, for instance, may be the best option for dealing with enemy anti-air in ground
+
There are three primary rocket selections available to the French AD-4; twelve HVAR rockets, twenty-four T10 151 AP rockets, and twenty-four T10 140 HE rockets. Each rocket type can be used with the full range of hybrid payloads, which includes a Mk.13-1 Case torpedo, two Tiny Tim rockets, or a selection of bomb set-ups including 2,000 lb bombs, 1,000 lb bombs, 500 lb bombs, or combinations of the three as listed above. Your choices will vary based on your expected target type and game mode. T10 T151 rockets plus two Tiny Tims, for instance, may be the best option for dealing with enemy anti-air in ground.
  
 
The AD-4's biggest enemy is opposing fighter planes. The Skyraider is a massive, heavy, and difficult to manoeuvre target, and enemy fighters will have no trouble sticking to one like glue. AD-4 pilots will need to take this into consideration when entering the combat area. The AD-4 is quite survivable, so it can take head-ons in spite of its wing-mounted guns, and deal considerable damage with the AN/M3s, though it may often be better to wait for friendly fighter cover or retreat immediately to allied anti-air once the threat of enemy air arises.
 
The AD-4's biggest enemy is opposing fighter planes. The Skyraider is a massive, heavy, and difficult to manoeuvre target, and enemy fighters will have no trouble sticking to one like glue. AD-4 pilots will need to take this into consideration when entering the combat area. The AD-4 is quite survivable, so it can take head-ons in spite of its wing-mounted guns, and deal considerable damage with the AN/M3s, though it may often be better to wait for friendly fighter cover or retreat immediately to allied anti-air once the threat of enemy air arises.
Line 186: Line 200:
  
 
* Large variety of suspended armament options
 
* Large variety of suspended armament options
−
* Four 20mm AN/M3 cannons, effective against all lightly armoured target types
+
* Four 20 mm AN/M3 cannons, effective against all lightly armoured target types
 
* Survivable against low calibre (7.62 mm to 7.96 mm) ground fire
 
* Survivable against low calibre (7.62 mm to 7.96 mm) ground fire
 
* Surprisingly high instantaneous turn rate
 
* Surprisingly high instantaneous turn rate
Line 195: Line 209:
 
* High weight, even when unladen, but especially with suspended armaments
 
* High weight, even when unladen, but especially with suspended armaments
 
* Loses energy fast in manoeuvres, laden or unladen with suspended armament
 
* Loses energy fast in manoeuvres, laden or unladen with suspended armament
−
* Has a chance of encountering late-WW II/1940s jet aircraft
+
* Has a chance of encountering late-WWII/1940s jet aircraft
 
* Large difference between stock and spaded flight/gun performance
 
* Large difference between stock and spaded flight/gun performance
 
* No tail hook for carrier landings, unlike the American naval AD-4
 
* No tail hook for carrier landings, unlike the American naval AD-4
Line 211: Line 225:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=douglas_ad_4_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=douglas_ad_4_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
Line 221: Line 236:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
 +
 
 
* [[AM-1]]
 
* [[AM-1]]
  

Latest revision as of 22:16, 30 December 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the strike aircraft AD-4 (France). For other versions, see AD Skyraider (Family).
▄AD-4
douglas_ad_4_france.png
GarageImage AD-4 (France).jpg
ArtImage AD-4 (France).jpg
▄AD-4
France flag.png France
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 6.0 5.7
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In the late 1950s, France received around 93 AD-4 airframes as part of the US Navy's surplus. 40 Skyraiders were the NA variant meanwhile the rest were AD-4Ns. It featured four 20 mm cannons, a strengthened undercarriage, and other minor changes. Escadron II/20 was the first squadron to receive the Skyraiders in 1960, and two more squadrons would receive them. French Skyraiders were in service for just over ten years until they were considered obsolete and retired.

Introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France", the ▄AD-4 Skyraider is an extremely effective ground striker. It can utilize many different types of bombs and rockets. In addition, the four 20 mm cannons have ample ammunition and good penetration performance with the armoured target belt. The cannons perform very well against light tanks and medium-strength ground targets like light pillboxes. However, this all comes at the cost of performance. Although the AD-4 has the mighty Wright R-3350-26WA (WA for water injection), it has abysmal manoeuvring energy retention and is overall a heavy aircraft. For a few turns the Skyraider can turn tight but it quickly becomes slow and vulnerable to enemy fighters. Nonetheless, the Skyraider is an excellent ground attack aircraft with an abundance of options for players.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 5 821 m587 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude8 900 m
EngineWright R-3350-26WA
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t

Considering the size, weight, and engine of the aircraft, the AD-4 still maintains a good top-end speed and gets there in a reasonable time, though nowhere as fast as comparable fighters get to theirs. Skyraider pilots will find their plane able pull a great instantaneous turn rate to keep up with fighters or other aircraft that end up on the business end of the AD-4's cannons, though their plane will very quickly lose a lot of speed thanks to its incredibly high weight. Sustained turns are not a strength of the AD-4 by any means, and the introduction of any verticality into manoeuvres will emphasis this weakness even further; the plane has rather terrible energy retention.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,822 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 557 543 8900 24.0 24.6 11.5 11.5 600
Upgraded 621 587 22.1 23.0 24.7 15.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
797 680 365 345 252 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 460 < 480 < 410 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear680 km/h
  • 40 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plates under the engine.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.

The AD-4 also has a single, large self-sealing fuel tank placed behind the pilot's steel plate. The oil cooling systems are found behind the engine, protected from ground fire by the same steel plates. Both of the steel plates are capable of preventing the penetration of HE shells. It is thick enough to block AP shells from 7.92 mm machine guns at longer ranges, and 7.62 mm machine guns at all but point-blank ranges, giving the AD-4's engine and pilot excellent survivability from rifle-calibre ground fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 889 → 2 372 Sl icon.png
RB3 201 → 4 020 Sl icon.png
SB6 050 → 7 598 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 400 Rp icon.png
78 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 160 / 560 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
anm3_belt_pack
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mk.I
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Mk78
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TC mk.I
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
LFRC mk.12
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
anm3_new_gun
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.I
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Matra T10 140
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC mk.I
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Matra T10 151
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The AD-4 (France) is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The four cannons are arranged in bundles of two, mounted in each wing. Each has an ammunition load of 200 rounds, and all fire simultaneously. All cannons exhaust their ammunition supply at the same time.

The 20 mm M3 is an excellent all-rounder cannon, dealing consistently lethal damage to enemy aircraft with both API-T and HEF-I shells, but also being able to pierce lightly armoured tanks with API-T shells, which can penetrate 27 mm of RHA at 500 m, enough to deal with nearly every light tank the AD-4 will encounter. However, the M3's accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification is exceptionally poor, with hit probabilities outside 500-600 m becoming very low due to high bullet spread.

Suspended armament

The AD-4 (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Hardpoints AD-2.png
250 lb AN-M57 bombs 1 1
500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs 1 1 1
2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs 1
Mk 78 incendiary bombs 1 1
HVAR rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
T10 140 rockets 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
T10 151 rockets 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Tiny Tim rockets 1 1
2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes 1
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets
  • 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (4,800 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
  • 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs

Usage in battles

The AD-4 is a well-suited aircraft for its primary role — ground attack — and provides the pilot with a large variety of highly effective payload options for dealing with different types of targets. Depending on the pilot's preference, the French AD-4 has access to over twenty options for suspended armaments, consisting mostly of different types of bomb/rocket hybrid payloads.

There are three primary rocket selections available to the French AD-4; twelve HVAR rockets, twenty-four T10 151 AP rockets, and twenty-four T10 140 HE rockets. Each rocket type can be used with the full range of hybrid payloads, which includes a Mk.13-1 Case torpedo, two Tiny Tim rockets, or a selection of bomb set-ups including 2,000 lb bombs, 1,000 lb bombs, 500 lb bombs, or combinations of the three as listed above. Your choices will vary based on your expected target type and game mode. T10 T151 rockets plus two Tiny Tims, for instance, may be the best option for dealing with enemy anti-air in ground.

The AD-4's biggest enemy is opposing fighter planes. The Skyraider is a massive, heavy, and difficult to manoeuvre target, and enemy fighters will have no trouble sticking to one like glue. AD-4 pilots will need to take this into consideration when entering the combat area. The AD-4 is quite survivable, so it can take head-ons in spite of its wing-mounted guns, and deal considerable damage with the AN/M3s, though it may often be better to wait for friendly fighter cover or retreat immediately to allied anti-air once the threat of enemy air arises.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Large variety of suspended armament options
  • Four 20 mm AN/M3 cannons, effective against all lightly armoured target types
  • Survivable against low calibre (7.62 mm to 7.96 mm) ground fire
  • Surprisingly high instantaneous turn rate
  • Has air brakes

Cons:

  • High weight, even when unladen, but especially with suspended armaments
  • Loses energy fast in manoeuvres, laden or unladen with suspended armament
  • Has a chance of encountering late-WWII/1940s jet aircraft
  • Large difference between stock and spaded flight/gun performance
  • No tail hook for carrier landings, unlike the American naval AD-4

History

The AD-4 is part of a long line of piston-engined attack aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company, starting with the A-1 Skyraider, seeing service across the globe in various ground strike roles. The variant of the French AD-4 represented in War Thunder is the French AD-4NA, a variant of the formerly three-seated AD-4N night attack plane which was converted to a single-seated attacker in American Service before being sold to France, though France did also come into possession of the AD-4N.

Having notably served during the Korean War under the USN and USAF, the Skyraider attracted many potential buyers including France who acquired 40 AD-4NA and 53 AD-4N aircraft from the US Navy Surplus in 1959. The Skyraider saw service in France's Armée de l'Air starting in 1960, during the Algerian War being sent against the Front de Libération Nationale, a movement fighting for the independence of Algeria from French rule. When the country gained independence in 1962, the AD-4 was relegated to service in Djibouti, then called the French Territory of Afars and the Issas. The French AD-4s last saw combat in Chad, where the French used them to support the government against Islamic guerilla forces in the area.

These French AD-4s were subsequently sold onwards to other countries such as Cambodia and Chad, where they saw further use under those flags.[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
The bane of tanks discusses the AD-4 (France) at 5:37 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

External links

References

  1. ↑ Francillon, René J. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920. London: Putnam, 1979. ISBN 0-370-00050-1.


Douglas Aircraft Company
Strike Aircraft  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
Bombers  TBD-1 · B-18A · SBD-3 · BTD-1 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT
Turboprops  A2D-1
Jet Aircraft  F3D-1 · F4D-1
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4B · A-4E Early
Export  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 · ▂A-20G-30 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · Ayit · A-4E
  The Douglas Aircraft Company merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.

France twin-engine fighters and strike aircraft
Twin-engine fighters  Potez 630 · Potez 631 · VB.10C-1 · VB.10-02
Strike aircraft  Br.693AB2 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
Netherlands 
Twin-engine fighters  ◗Fokker G.IA
Strike aircraft  ◘Firefly F.Mk.IV

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