Difference between revisions of "A2D-1"
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== 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.'' --> | ||
| − | + | In 1945, the Bureau of Aeronautics assigned Douglas Aircraft Company the task of creating an innovative carrier-based attack aircraft with a jet engine, intended to eventually supersede the nascent AD Skyraider. Douglas development led to the US Navy considering a prototype using an Allison XT40A turboprop engine with counter-rotating propellers. This prototype, designated XA2D-1, had continual engine problems and it didn't take its first flight until 26 May 1950. Continual problems with the engine and gearbox continued with further delay and all-jet designs coming into service led to the XA2D-1's cancellation in 1954 with a total of 2 XA2D-1 and 10 pre-production A2D-1 units produced. | |
| − | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the A2D-1 Skyshark stands out for its formidable versatility, suitable for both air-to-air and mixed combat scenarios. Its dual turboprop engines offer impressive speed and maneuverability, enabling it to hold its own against early jet fighters. Additionally, its quartet of potent 20-mm guns ensures dominance in aerial engagements. As an attack aircraft, the A2D-1 is equipped to carry a wide array of bombs and rockets, making it a significant threat to enemy tanks in mixed combat situations. Not to be underestimated, though having a bulky airframe, the {{PAGENAME}} has the speed and ordnance which can help in turning the tide of a battle. | |
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== General info == | == General info == | ||
Revision as of 05:07, 21 January 2024
Contents
Description
In 1945, the Bureau of Aeronautics assigned Douglas Aircraft Company the task of creating an innovative carrier-based attack aircraft with a jet engine, intended to eventually supersede the nascent AD Skyraider. Douglas development led to the US Navy considering a prototype using an Allison XT40A turboprop engine with counter-rotating propellers. This prototype, designated XA2D-1, had continual engine problems and it didn't take its first flight until 26 May 1950. Continual problems with the engine and gearbox continued with further delay and all-jet designs coming into service led to the XA2D-1's cancellation in 1954 with a total of 2 XA2D-1 and 10 pre-production A2D-1 units produced.
Introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy", the A2D-1 Skyshark stands out for its formidable versatility, suitable for both air-to-air and mixed combat scenarios. Its dual turboprop engines offer impressive speed and maneuverability, enabling it to hold its own against early jet fighters. Additionally, its quartet of potent 20-mm guns ensures dominance in aerial engagements. As an attack aircraft, the A2D-1 is equipped to carry a wide array of bombs and rockets, making it a significant threat to enemy tanks in mixed combat situations. Not to be underestimated, though having a bulky airframe, the A2D-1 has the speed and ordnance which can help in turning the tide of a battle.
General info
Flight performance
With each engine reaching 2,517 horsepower, the A2D's top speed rivals early jets. The rate of climb is phenomenal and the short take off run speaks for a great acceleration. Every characteristic tells the tale of a great energy fighting machine. This strike aircraft is very much unlike its older cousin the AD-2.
But the devil is in the detail. The wing loading is exceptional high >220 kg/m², sitting even above the P-47 Thunderbolt. It further does so in category of weight and size. Make no mistake, the Skyshark is a Sky whale and flies appropriately at times. Because of the weight, the elevator authority feels weak and one will kiss the ground more than once, before learning to fly with the momentum properly. Rapid pitch changes are not the Skyshark's forte, an abusable fact known to aces. Worse still is the jittery behaviour while manoeuvring or taking aim. Again the aircraft's mass will delay any inputs, especially noticeable in simulator mode. As a turboprop, the jets require a spool-up time when going from low to high power.
The acceleration is good, thanks to the powerful engines, allowing for a better sustained turn rate despite mediocre manoeuvrability. This allows the A2D to outshine many early jets in turn dogfights. Maintaining a Yo-Yo with 350 km/h IAS is possible and sadly necessary, any slower than this and the aircraft becomes less responsive. A rare case where lower speeds reduce overall controllability.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 8,534 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 796 | 796 | 13200 | 25.6 | 26.2 | 32.4 | 32.1 | 350 |
| Upgraded | 796 | 796 | 24.5 | 25.0 | 36.4 | 34.4 | ||
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 875 | 301 | 428 | 351 | 300 | ~9 | ~4 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 460 | < 480 | < 460 | N/A |
Survivability and armour
The A2D-1 has no protection for the pilot which makes it very vulnerable to AAA and other aircraft. The radar is also vulnerable to being hit. Belly landings can lead to the aircraft destroying itself beyond repair, but if done in a certain way now, due to damage model changes, the A2D-1 can indeed belly land.
The propeller driveshaft besides the engines is the most important part of maintaining thrust, as if it is damaged too much the engine condition will not matter and a loss of airspeed will occur. The A2D1 can still fly on one engine if the prop driveshaft and the one said engine is lightly damaged or undamaged. The A2D-1's fuel tank is quite prone to fires as it is a big target due to being in the fuselage. While this may seem bad, do not let this discourage you from executing boom-and-zoom tactics.
Modifications and economy
2 × 100 / 260 / 600 % 2 × 190 / 190 / 190 % | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
Offensive armament
The A2D-1 is armed with:
- 4 x 20 mm T31 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
The T31 is a modification of the Hispano-Suiza system and an improvement from the AN-M2 cannon, mostly in weight though. The quadruple punch is a welcomed upgrade from the Skyraiders. However, as the autocannons are mounted in the wings, the pilot must be cognizant of their range to the target and their convergence setting to ensure the ammunition hits the target and doesn't just fly on by.
Suspended armament
The A2D-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
| Default weapon presets | |
|---|---|
| |
Twenty-two total hardpoints allow the A2D-1 to carry an abundance of suspended ordnance much like the Skyraider. Choices of bombs, rockets and torpedoes open up the possibility of targets which can be engaged. Choices in bombs provide options with either 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb and 2,000 lb bombs. With these targets can range from mobile light trucks, anti-aircraft artillery, tanks, pillboxes and even bases. HVAR rockets provide flexibility to allow the A2D-1 to fire them from any angle (a restriction which bombs have) as the aircraft descends towards the target. The Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes are outfitted with a special frangible wooden drag ring and box stabilizer which allow for the torpedo to be dropped at high speeds and from higher altitudes than unmodified torpedoes making them a perfect option for the A2D-1 when taking on an anti-shipping role.
Usage in battles
In Arcade and Realistic Battles, the A2D-1 can climb with no extra armament to become top cover for the allied fighters, or alternatively escort bombers to their designation. It can also carry one of its most hard hitting armaments and destroy several ground targets or destroy two bases. Though in Simulator Battles the jittery controls and lack of control make it more akin to a B-57B fast jet bomber.
- Dogfights
With its outstanding acceleration and climb-rate the Skyshark can safely assault hostile ground forces and then decide to join the fray, by either assault climbing the closest hostile, relying on its acceleration to gain an energy advantage mid dogfight, or return to allied fighter pack to rejoin their climb. Going straight for the climb from the start will put the A2D at an immense energy advantage should the fight start.
Preferred combat styles are energy fighting, due its aforementioned acceleration and climb-rate, but also Boom and Zoom for the Skyshark is a heavy weight, note though it can easily reach its terminal velocity and lose its wings, coupled with the slow spool-up-time of the engine from low power, a provident engine and air-brake control is paramount. The G-Suit is a welcomed addition, but will often lead to ripped wings via g-forces in diving manoeuvres.
Combat versus Jets differs amusingly little than versus propeller crafts. After easily gaining an altitude advantage, dive on the hostile and force it to break away (turn), hence losing speed and energy. Three things could happen now.
- the enemy jet dives - do not try follow too long, your terminal speed is lesser than most jets -> regain altitude,
- the enemy jet runs - hostile didn't lose too much speed, or assumes the A2D's speed and acceleration to be lesser. If it is the latter -> outpace and kill it,
- the enemy jet breaks more - hostile is either trying to force an overshoot or prepares for a dogfight, either way -> engage in manoeuvre combat.
Versus propeller fighters one should engage in turnfights, otherwise the Skyshark is most dominant against most WW2 fighters. Few Rank 4 fighters can challenge the A2D on equal terms, so stay sharp.
- Strafing
The A2D-1 can be a very valuable asset to teams looking to win by destroying ground troops or assaulting the airfield. However, the Skyshark is so heavy and hence sluggish that every strafing attempt is an inch away from a crash. The momentum change comes later than expected and is more akin to a medium bomber like the B-25. One is not surprised the US Navy stuck with the older AD-2, as in the ground attacker role the Skyshark must play a slow game. Take time for every attack run and try to maintain a speed way above 300 km/h IAS with combat flaps. This is a very high velocity for strafing runs, however any less and the plane will not rise above the newly explosive laden ground...
Radars
The A2D-1 is equipped with an AN/APS-19 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in nose, inside the propeller hub.
| AN/APS-19 - Target Detection Radar | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Detection Range |
Guaranteed Detection Range |
Max Azimuth Scan Angle |
Max Elevation Scan Angle |
| 60,000 m (theoretical) |
7,200 m | ±67.5° | ±67.5° |
| AN/APS-19 - Target Tracking Radar | |||
| Maximum Tracking Range |
Minimum Tracking Range |
Azimuth Tracking Angle |
Elevation Tracking Angle |
| 1,500 m | 150 m | ±15° | ±15° |
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Not controllable | Not controllable Not auto controlled |
Not controllable Not auto controlled |
Not controllable Not auto controlled |
Combined | Not controllable 1 gear |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful turboprop dual engines
- Quad 20 mm cannon armament
- Possesses tracking and search Radar
- Impressive payload
- Premium bonuses
- Naval aircraft capable of carrier-landing
Cons:
- Quite sluggish
- Extremely large profile
- Time limit on radar
- Tracking Radar only works at ~1 km
- Tail of aircraft is fragile
- Extremely loud propulsion system allows for easy detection
- Faces jets like the F-86K and the MiG-21F-13 because of its higher BR in arcade
History
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an impressive aircraft for a piston-driven propeller-powered aircraft which survived into the jet age, being used by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and around nine other countries over its 40-year service. Like many aircraft which were successful, they went through many iterations and variants to keep them up to date with new requirements and technology as they came about. In an age where jet aircraft were beginning to overtake propeller-driven aircraft in all aspects of military service, the Bureau of Aeronautics which was the U.S. Navy's material-support organization was looking for a suitable option for an attack aircraft which would be more fuel-efficient than the upcoming jet fighters. To meet the Navy's requirement, Douglas Aircraft looked to their AD Skyraider airframe and considered modifying it to accept a more fuel economical turboprop engine.
In the early years following the war, jet engines underwent rapid development. This attracted the interest of the US Navy, which sought to arm itself with aircraft that were superior to that of potential opponents in speed, altitude, payload, and flight range.
As it turned out, jet engines were perfect for fighter aircraft but too "voracious" for strike aircraft, as they significantly reduced their range. The best engineering solution was to introduce the turboprop engine, which was a task the Douglas company undertook.
Initially, engineers simply wanted to replace the piston engine of the Skyraider attack aircraft with a turboprop engine. However, this led nowhere and the vehicle required significant modification. In the end, the engineers settled on a prototype with Allison Т-40А-2 turboprop engines and coaxial propellers.
The first flight of the XA2D-1 prototype, called the Skyshark, took place on May 26, 1950, but engine vibration nearly destroyed the aircraft and it was forced to land after only two minutes. By December 1950, the prototype had already completed over a dozen flights. However, a routine flight on December 19, 1950, ended in tragedy. Due to issues with the engine, the vehicle and pilot crashed. Nevertheless, testing continued and, despite the many technical problems that plagued the aircraft, the army ordered 10 pre-production models of the A2D-1. However, on August 5, 1954, another accident occurred when the main gearbox failed, and the aircraft crashed a short distance outside Los Angeles. This time, the pilot managed to escape the aircraft, but the project was closed and it was decided to dismantle any existing prototypes. Apparently, this decision was influenced by the fact that in the same year for the first time Douglas got another project in the air, this later became the famous A4D Skyhawk - a new generation of jets.
- From Devblog
Media
- Skins
- Images
- Videos
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
- [Devblog] Douglas A2D-1 Skyshark: Wyvern to the Max!
- [Data Sheet] Douglas A2D-1 Skyshark
- [Wikipedia] Douglas A2D Skyshark
| 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. | |
| USA strike aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Douglas | A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H |
| North American | A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J |
| Other | AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 |
| USA premium aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1 |
| P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55 | |
| ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc | |
| Twin-engine fighters | XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3 |
| Jet fighters | P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A |
| Strike aircraft | A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A |
| Bombers | A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D |
