Difference between revisions of "AD-4"

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Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
 
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''AD-4''' is a Rank IV American attacker with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 6.0 (SB). 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 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-manuevered 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. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! 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
 +
|-
 +
| 558 || 545 || 8,900 || 24.3 || 24.6 || 9.3 || 11.5 || 600
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 621 || 587 || 8,900 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5 || 600
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate under the engine
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind 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)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 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|Bombs|Rockets|Torpedoes}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
  
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedoes|torpedo
 +
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (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)
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 56 x Hydra-70 rockets
 +
 +
<!--
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 +
-->
 +
== Usage in the 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 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).''-->
 +
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 airspawn, 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 uses 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.
 +
[[File:AttackerImage_AD4-SPM-SKIN-SRGB100.jpg|250px|thumb|right|AD-4 Skyrider, Performing ground attack role.]]<br>
 +
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 +
<!--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 than 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
 +
 +
====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.)-->
 +
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 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.
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
* As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordinance. <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>
 +
 +
The following depends on whether your preferred play style will be either ''Air'' or ''Ground'' attack:
 +
 +
==== 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.
 +
Next, select ''LFRC mk.12'' to unlock the path to Hydra-70 later.
 +
With tier 3 unlocked, research the ''New 20 mm Cannons'' to fix the AN/M3's terribly accuracy problems and to make 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.
 +
Finally, with tier 4 open, get ''Hydra-70'' 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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
==== Ground ====
−
''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 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).''
+
Research ''TC mk.I'' to open up the path to MBC mk.I. <br>
 +
Then research ''Compressor'' for the extra engine power. <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>
 +
 
 +
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.
  
 
=== 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. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* Incredibly large and powerful anti-ground armament selection
−
 
+
* Strong cannons for both air-to-ground and air-to-air
 +
* Relatively strong structure and armor
 +
* Faster than its predecessor, the AD-2
 +
* High burst turn rate for its size
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Slower than nearly all planes it would meet
 +
* 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 ==
 
== History ==
Line 37: Line 277:
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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]
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read 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.''
−
''ETC.''
+
<!--''ETC.''-->
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 290:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA attackers}}

Revision as of 13:52, 27 November 2018

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C 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

Description

GarageImage AD-4.jpg


The AD-4 is a Rank IV American attacker with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 6.0 (SB). 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 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-manuevered 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
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 8,900 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 8,900 22.1 23.0 24.7 15.5 600

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
 ???  ???  ??? ~?? ~?
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< ??? < ??? < ??? > ???
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
 ?,??? m  ??? hp  ?,??? 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 pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: AN/M3 (20 mm)

The AD-4 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: Bombs, Rockets, Torpedoes

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

  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedoes|torpedo
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (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)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 56 x Hydra-70 rockets

Usage in the battles

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 airspawn, 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 uses 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.

AD-4 Skyrider, Performing ground attack role.

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 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 than 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

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 the attacker 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.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings Repair Engine
IV Engine Injection Cover
  • 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

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. Next, select LFRC mk.12 to unlock the path to Hydra-70 later. With tier 3 unlocked, research the New 20 mm Cannons to fix the AN/M3's terribly accuracy problems and to make 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. Finally, with tier 4 open, get Hydra-70 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.

Ground

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

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.

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 armor
  • Faster than its predecessor, the AD-2
  • High burst turn rate for its size

Cons:

  • Slower than nearly all planes it would meet
  • 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.

Media

Read 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.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • 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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