Difference between revisions of "AD-4"

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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 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.'' -->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
[[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}}. It 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"]].
  
Line 21: Line 21:
 
== 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 plane.''
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! 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<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 558 || 545 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.3 || 24.6 || 9.3 || 11.5 || 600
+
! Stock
 +
| 557 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.0 || 24.6 || 11.5 || 11.5 || rowspan="2" | 600
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 621 || 587 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 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" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flaps
 
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 378 || ~10 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 378 || 252 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
 
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
Line 133: Line 103:
  
 
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
 
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate under the engine
+
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate under the engine
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind the pilot
+
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|AN/M3 (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|M3 (20 mm)}}
  
 
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 M3 cannons, 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|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|Tiny Tim|HVAR|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mk.13}}
+
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|HVAR|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:
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* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
 
* 12 x HVAR rockets
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x Mk.13 torpedo
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
 
* 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)
 
* 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 + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim 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 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)
 
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
Line 164: Line 134:
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!-- ''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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft 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 Skyraider, 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 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''.
 
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''.
Line 189: Line 159:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 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
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
Line 217: Line 185:
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
|
| TBC mk.I
+
| TC mk.I
 
| LFRC mk.12
 
| LFRC mk.12
 
|-
 
|-
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''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".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise 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".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 283: Line 251:
  
 
== 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 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).''
+
''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 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></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 vehicle'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.'' -->
 +
;Skins
 
* [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]
 +
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|qQjxB7WRaJg|'''The Shooting Range #185''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:10 discusses the Douglas Skyraider.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|qQjxB7WRaJg|'''The Shooting Range #185''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:10 discusses the Douglas Skyraider.}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
Line 309: Line 279:
 
== 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 09:29, 13 September 2020

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
AD-4
douglas_ad_4.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/9/96/Cockpit_douglas_ad_4.jpg
AD-4
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

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 + -
0 680 N/A 378 252 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 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 - Armour plate under the engine
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The AD-4 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

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

  • Without load
  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim 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 + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim 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 TC 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
  • Can carry 56 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, with high-penetration HEAT warheads

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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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 vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development
  • Douglas A2D Skyshark
  • Douglas AD-2 Skyraider
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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