Difference between revisions of "AD-4"

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(Added flight performance details)
(Updated as of 1.89.1.20)
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=douglas_ad_4
+
| code = douglas_ad_4
−
|cockpit=358189/1214717
+
| cockpit = 358189/1214717
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
Line 10: Line 10:
  
 
== 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 plane, so that if the novice player does not remember the plane by name, he will immediately understand what kind of plane the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
  
−
The AD-4 is a thorough-bred ground attacker. It can be armed with a slew of deadly anti-ground weaponry ranging from several high payload bombs and HVAR rockets to a massive 56 Hydra rockets, with pinpoint precision and deadly effect. Though lacking in flight performance, the AD-4's armament allows the pilot to annihilate anything that ends up in front of his guns; destroying enemy planes in very few hits and being able to destroy even light Pillboxes and light Tanks with the right ammunition. If there are ground targets to be destroyed, the American tree can offer no better attacker aircraft.
+
The AD-4 is a thorough-bred ground attacker. It can be armed with a slew of deadly anti-ground weaponry ranging from several high payload bombs and HVAR rockets to a massive 56 Hydra rockets, capable of pinpoint precision and deadly effect. Though lacking in flight performance, the AD-4's armament allows the pilot to annihilate anything that ends up in front of his guns; destroying enemy planes in very few hits and being able to destroy even light pillboxes and light tanks with the right ammunition. If there are ground targets to be destroyed, the American tree can offer no better attacker aircraft.
  
 
The AD-4 is generally a sluggish aircraft, which should come to no surprise considering the engine output and weight of the aircraft. In sustained horizontal turn fights and all energy fights, the AD-4 will be out-manoeuvred quickly. Whilst it has speed, the AD-4 has a surprisingly high turn rate, though the high weight causes energy retention to be perhaps one of the worst of any aircraft in War Thunder.
 
The AD-4 is generally a sluggish aircraft, which should come to no surprise considering the engine output and weight of the aircraft. In sustained horizontal turn fights and all energy fights, the AD-4 will be out-manoeuvred quickly. Whilst it has speed, the AD-4 has a surprisingly high turn rate, though the high weight causes energy retention to be perhaps one of the worst of any aircraft in War Thunder.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the plane.''
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 558 || 545 || 8,900 || 24.3 || 24.6 || 9.3 || 11.5 || 600
+
| 558 || 545 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.3 || 24.6 || 9.3 || 11.5 || 600
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 621 || 587 || 8,900 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5 || 600
+
| 621 || 587 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5 || 600
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
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! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||378|| ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 378 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,920 m || 2,170 hp || 2,571 hp
+
| 4,920 m || 2,170 hp || 2,679 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
−
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''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|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
+
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|Tiny Tim|HVAR|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mk.13}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
+
* Without load
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedo
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x Mk.13 torpedo
 
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
 
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (3,000 lb total)
+
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (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)
+
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
−
* 56 x Hydra-70 rockets
+
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using planes in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
[[File:AttackerImage_AD4-SPM-SKIN-SRGB100.jpg|250px|thumb|right|AD-4 Skyrider, Performing ground attack role.]]
+
[[File:AttackerImage_AD4-SPM-SKIN-SRGB100.jpg|250px|thumb|right|AD-4 Skyraider, Performing ground attack role.]]
−
In an air match, you need to know where the most important targets are and immediately make a beeline for them. Using your weight and air-spawn, you can reach a relatively high speed for your airframe of between 500 to 600 km/h in an extended shallow dive. Once at the objective area, your mission is to destroy as many vehicles that contribute to your team's victory as possible before enemy interceptors reach you. If possible, use your Hydra rocket payload, as they are incredibly accurate and are able to destroy light pillboxes and all ground vehicles in one direct hit. You can also use your AN/M3 cannons' API-T rounds to penetrate and destroy light pillboxes and light tanks. If this is your goal, use the universal ammo belt if unlocked, as it means every other round is API-T. Ground targets use two API-T, then a HE-T and a P round, so it is not as effective versus aircraft while being no more effective against ground targets than universal.
+
In an air match, you need to know where the most important targets are and immediately make a beeline for them. Using your weight and air-spawn, you can reach a relatively high speed for your airframe of 500 - 600 km/h in an extended shallow dive. Once at the objective area, your mission is to destroy as many vehicles that contribute to your team's victory as possible before enemy interceptors reach you. If possible, use your FFAR rocket payload, as they are incredibly accurate and are able to destroy light pillboxes and all ground vehicles in one direct hit. You can also use your AN/M3 cannons' API-T rounds to penetrate and destroy light pillboxes and light tanks. If this is your goal, use the ''Universal'' ammo belt if unlocked, as it means every other round is API-T. ''Ground targets'' use two API-T, then a HE-T and a P round, so it is not as effective versus aircraft while being no more effective against ground targets than ''Universal''.
  
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
−
ALL fighter aircraft have a massive advantage they can exploit against you to easily defeat you. Jets, especially the Me.262, have speed, energy retention and heavy armament that make it hard for you to win in a head-on or get your guns on target outside of one. If you're fighting versus one, you don't have much a chance other than to try and snipe them in a head-on before they get their rounds down range. Remember that the Me.262's guns have a notably low muzzle velocity. For propeller fighters, your tactic is the same and has a higher chance of succeeding thanks to your opponents generally lower armaments and speed
+
ALL fighter aircraft have a massive advantage they can exploit against you to easily defeat you. Jets, especially the [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262]], have speed, energy retention and heavy armament that make it hard for you to win in a head-on or get your guns on target outside of one. If you're fighting against one, you don't have much of a chance other than to try and snipe them in a head-on before they get their rounds down range. Remember that the Me 262's guns have a notably low muzzle velocity. For propeller fighters, your tactic is the same and has a higher chance of succeeding thanks to your opponents generally weaker armaments and slower speed.
  
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
−
The AD-4 has a great burst horizontal turn rate, and can even compete with some of the poorer turning fighters when not laden with armament, though bleeds energy incredibly fast. When attempting to engage an AD-4, use the vertical to your advantage, the AD-4's incredibly high weight makes it almost impossible for the attacker to fire on anyone above them as they will almost immediately lose all momentum.
+
The AD-4 has a great burst horizontal turn rate, and can even compete with some of the poorer turning fighters when not laden with armament, though bleeds energy incredibly fast. When attempting to engage an AD-4, use the vertical to your advantage, the AD-4's incredibly high weight makes it almost impossible for it to fire on anyone above them as they will almost immediately lose all momentum.
  
−
The most important piece of information to keep in mine versus an AD-4; do NOT go into a head-on versus the plane. The AD-4's inability to get guns on target easily is mitigated if they can commit to a head-on, and with four AN/M3 cannons alongside a relatively tanky structure the AD-4 will have a high chance of critically damaging you and escaping to repair.
+
The most important piece of information to keep in mind while attacking an AD-4; do NOT go into a head-on versus the plane. The AD-4's inability to get guns on target easily is mitigated if they can commit to a head-on, and with four AN/M3 cannons alongside a relatively tanky structure the AD-4 will have a high chance of critically damaging you and escaping to repair.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Type
 
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
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|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
|
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
| Offensive 20 mm
−
| SBC mk.1
+
| SBC mk.I
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
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| Airframe
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
|
−
| TC mk.1
+
| TBC mk.I
 
| LFRC mk.12
 
| LFRC mk.12
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
 
|
 
|
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
+
| New 20 mm cannons
−
| MBC mk.1
+
| MBC mk.I
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
 
|
 
|
−
| LBC mk.1
+
| LBC mk.I
−
| Hydra-70
+
| FFAR Mighty Mouse
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
* As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordinance. <br>
+
;As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordinance.
  
−
Start off with ''Offensive 20 mm'', to unlock universal belts with a higher composition of API-T shells for ground attack. <br>
+
Start off with ''Offensive 20 mm'', to unlock ''Universal'' belts with a higher composition of API-T shells for ground attack. <br>
−
Then, research ''SBC mk.I'', to unlock the 12 x HVAR & 500 lb bomb combination. <br>
+
Then, research ''SBC mk.I'', to unlock the 12 x HVAR & 500 lb bomb combination.
  
−
The following depends on whether your preferred play style will be either ''Air'' or ''Ground'' attack:
+
The following depends on whether your preferred play style will be either Air or Ground attack:
  
−
==== Air ====
+
;;Air
−
Research ''TC mk.I'' to unlock the 12 x HVAR & Torpedo combination for maps with mainly naval targets and little ground targets, such as Norway.
+
# Research ''TC mk.I'' to unlock the 12 x HVAR & Torpedo combination for maps with mainly naval targets and few ground targets, such as Norway.
−
Next, select ''LFRC mk.12'' to unlock the path to Hydra-70 later.
+
# Next, select ''LFRC mk.12'' to unlock the path to FFAR later.
−
With tier 3 unlocked, research the ''New 20 mm Cannons'' to fix the AN/M3's terribly accuracy problems and to make the ground strike more effective.
+
# With tier 3 unlocked, research the ''New 20 mm Cannons'' to fix the AN/M3's terribly accuracy problems and to make the ground strike more effective.
−
As we're going to be using exclusively Hydra-70s later, research ''Engine'' and ''Wings Repair'' to unlock tier 4 modules.
+
# As we're going to be using exclusively FFAR's later, research ''Engine'' and ''Wings Repair'' to unlock tier 4 modules.
−
Finally, with tier 4 open, get ''Hydra-70'' as soon as you can.
+
# Finally, with tier 4 open, get ''FFAR Mighty Mouse'' as soon as you can.
  
−
56 Hydra-70 rockets can be potentially used to destroy 23 tanks or light pillboxes, no other ordnance can compete. This makes it the obvious and only choice for grinding with the AD-4 in Air.
+
56 Mighty Mouse rockets can be potentially used to destroy 23 tanks or light pillboxes, no other ordnance can compete. This makes it the obvious and only choice for grinding with the AD-4 in Air.
  
−
==== Ground ====
+
;;Ground
−
Research ''TC mk.I'' to open up the path to MBC mk.I. <br>
+
# Research ''TC mk.I'' to open up the path to MBC mk.I.
−
Then research ''Compressor'' for the extra engine power. <br>
+
# Then research ''Compressor'' for the extra engine power.
−
With tier 3 open, research ''MBC mk.I'', then ''Engine'' and ''New 20 mm cannons''. <br>
+
# With tier 3 open, research ''MBC mk.I'', then ''Engine'' and ''New 20 mm cannons''. <br>
−
Finally, with tier 4 open, research ''LBC mk.I''. <br>
+
# Finally, with tier 4 open, research ''LBC mk.I''. <br>
  
−
Hydra-70s may be accurate, but their post-penetration damage versus ground forces vehicles is pathetic. The large 2, 000 lb and 1, 000 lb bombs available to the AD-4 are much more reliable at destroying in general, and HVARs have far superior destruction power when they hit.
+
FFARs may be accurate, but their post-penetration damage versus ground forces vehicles is pathetic. The large 2,000 lb and 1,000 lb bombs available to the AD-4 are much more reliable at destroying in general, and HVARs have far superior destruction power when they hit.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the plane in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
* Incredibly large and powerful anti-ground armament selection
 
* Incredibly large and powerful anti-ground armament selection
 
* Strong cannons for both air-to-ground and air-to-air
 
* Strong cannons for both air-to-ground and air-to-air
 
* Relatively strong structure and armour
 
* Relatively strong structure and armour
−
* Faster than its predecessor, the AD-2
+
* Faster than its predecessor, the [[AD-2]]
 
* High burst turn rate for its size
 
* High burst turn rate for its size
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
+
* Slower than nearly all planes it meets
−
* Slower than nearly all planes it would meet
 
 
* Matchmaker allows it to face jets
 
* Matchmaker allows it to face jets
 
* Extremely poor energy retention
 
* Extremely poor energy retention
Line 288: Line 278:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the plane and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(plane-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the plane's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
 
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=attacker&vehicle=ad-4 War Thunder Live - User created AD-4 camouflage]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=attacker&vehicle=ad-4 War Thunder Live - User created AD-4 camouflage]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 303: Line 291:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 13:19, 31 May 2019

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
AD-4
douglas_ad_4.png
AD-4
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 6.0 5.7
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American attacker AD-4. For the French version, see AD-4 (France).

Description

GarageImage AD-4.jpg


The AD-4 Skyraider is a rank IV American attacker with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/SB) and 6.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance".

The AD-4 is a thorough-bred ground attacker. It can be armed with a slew of deadly anti-ground weaponry ranging from several high payload bombs and HVAR rockets to a massive 56 Hydra rockets, capable of pinpoint precision and deadly effect. Though lacking in flight performance, the AD-4's armament allows the pilot to annihilate anything that ends up in front of his guns; destroying enemy planes in very few hits and being able to destroy even light pillboxes and light tanks with the right ammunition. If there are ground targets to be destroyed, the American tree can offer no better attacker aircraft.

The AD-4 is generally a sluggish aircraft, which should come to no surprise considering the engine output and weight of the aircraft. In sustained horizontal turn fights and all energy fights, the AD-4 will be out-manoeuvred quickly. Whilst it has speed, the AD-4 has a surprisingly high turn rate, though the high weight causes energy retention to be perhaps one of the worst of any aircraft in War Thunder.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the plane.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,822 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
558 545 8900 24.3 24.6 9.3 11.5 600
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,822 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
621 587 8900 22.1 23.0 24.7 15.5 600

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
378 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 460 < 480 < 410 > 300
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,128 m 2,700 hp 3,200 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,920 m 2,170 hp 2,679 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate under the engine
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind the pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: AN/M3 (20 mm)

The AD-4 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)
Main articles: Tiny Tim, HVAR, FFAR Mighty Mouse, Mk.13

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

  • Without load
  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x Mk.13 torpedo
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (3,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
  • 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

Usage in battles

AD-4 Skyraider, Performing ground attack role.

In an air match, you need to know where the most important targets are and immediately make a beeline for them. Using your weight and air-spawn, you can reach a relatively high speed for your airframe of 500 - 600 km/h in an extended shallow dive. Once at the objective area, your mission is to destroy as many vehicles that contribute to your team's victory as possible before enemy interceptors reach you. If possible, use your FFAR rocket payload, as they are incredibly accurate and are able to destroy light pillboxes and all ground vehicles in one direct hit. You can also use your AN/M3 cannons' API-T rounds to penetrate and destroy light pillboxes and light tanks. If this is your goal, use the Universal ammo belt if unlocked, as it means every other round is API-T. Ground targets use two API-T, then a HE-T and a P round, so it is not as effective versus aircraft while being no more effective against ground targets than Universal.

Specific enemies worth noting

ALL fighter aircraft have a massive advantage they can exploit against you to easily defeat you. Jets, especially the Me 262, have speed, energy retention and heavy armament that make it hard for you to win in a head-on or get your guns on target outside of one. If you're fighting against one, you don't have much of a chance other than to try and snipe them in a head-on before they get their rounds down range. Remember that the Me 262's guns have a notably low muzzle velocity. For propeller fighters, your tactic is the same and has a higher chance of succeeding thanks to your opponents generally weaker armaments and slower speed.

Counter-tactics

The AD-4 has a great burst horizontal turn rate, and can even compete with some of the poorer turning fighters when not laden with armament, though bleeds energy incredibly fast. When attempting to engage an AD-4, use the vertical to your advantage, the AD-4's incredibly high weight makes it almost impossible for it to fire on anyone above them as they will almost immediately lose all momentum.

The most important piece of information to keep in mind while attacking an AD-4; do NOT go into a head-on versus the plane. The AD-4's inability to get guns on target easily is mitigated if they can commit to a head-on, and with four AN/M3 cannons alongside a relatively tanky structure the AD-4 will have a high chance of critically damaging you and escaping to repair.

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 20 mm SBC mk.I
II Compressor Airframe TBC mk.I LFRC mk.12
III Wings repair Engine New 20 mm cannons MBC mk.I
IV Engine injection Cover LBC mk.I FFAR Mighty Mouse
As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordinance.

Start off with Offensive 20 mm, to unlock Universal belts with a higher composition of API-T shells for ground attack.
Then, research SBC mk.I, to unlock the 12 x HVAR & 500 lb bomb combination.

The following depends on whether your preferred play style will be either Air or Ground attack:

Air
  1. Research TC mk.I to unlock the 12 x HVAR & Torpedo combination for maps with mainly naval targets and few ground targets, such as Norway.
  2. Next, select LFRC mk.12 to unlock the path to FFAR later.
  3. With tier 3 unlocked, research the New 20 mm Cannons to fix the AN/M3's terribly accuracy problems and to make the ground strike more effective.
  4. As we're going to be using exclusively FFAR's later, research Engine and Wings Repair to unlock tier 4 modules.
  5. Finally, with tier 4 open, get FFAR Mighty Mouse as soon as you can.

56 Mighty Mouse rockets can be potentially used to destroy 23 tanks or light pillboxes, no other ordnance can compete. This makes it the obvious and only choice for grinding with the AD-4 in Air.

Ground
  1. Research TC mk.I to open up the path to MBC mk.I.
  2. Then research Compressor for the extra engine power.
  3. With tier 3 open, research MBC mk.I, then Engine and New 20 mm cannons.
  4. Finally, with tier 4 open, research LBC mk.I.

FFARs may be accurate, but their post-penetration damage versus ground forces vehicles is pathetic. The large 2,000 lb and 1,000 lb bombs available to the AD-4 are much more reliable at destroying in general, and HVARs have far superior destruction power when they hit.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Incredibly large and powerful anti-ground armament selection
  • Strong cannons for both air-to-ground and air-to-air
  • Relatively strong structure and armour
  • Faster than its predecessor, the AD-2
  • High burst turn rate for its size

Cons:

  • Slower than nearly all planes it meets
  • Matchmaker allows it to face jets
  • Extremely poor energy retention
  • Low sustained turn rate
  • Terrible stock aircraft (inaccurate cannons, slow, less effective payload options)

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the plane and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(plane-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the plane's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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

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