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

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=douglas_ad_4_france
 
|code=douglas_ad_4_france
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_AD-4(France).jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French attacker {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
<!--''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 vehicle.'' -->
 
Considering the size, weight, and engine of the aircraft, the AD-4 still maintains a good top-end speed and gets there in a reasonable time, though nowhere as fast as comparable fighters get to theirs. Skyraider pilots will find their plane able pull a great instantaneous turn rate to keep up with fighters or other aircraft that end up on the business end of the AD-4's cannons, though their plane will very quickly lose a lot of speed thanks to its incredibly high weight. Sustained turns are not a strength of the AD-4 by any means, and the introduction of any verticality into manoeuvres will emphasis this weakness even further; the plane has rather terrible energy retention.
 
Considering the size, weight, and engine of the aircraft, the AD-4 still maintains a good top-end speed and gets there in a reasonable time, though nowhere as fast as comparable fighters get to theirs. Skyraider pilots will find their plane able pull a great instantaneous turn rate to keep up with fighters or other aircraft that end up on the business end of the AD-4's cannons, though their plane will very quickly lose a lot of speed thanks to its incredibly high weight. Sustained turns are not a strength of the AD-4 by any means, and the introduction of any verticality into manoeuvres will emphasis this weakness even further; the plane has rather terrible energy retention.
  
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''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 (200 rpg = 800 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
  
−
The four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted in each wing. Each has an ammunition load of 200 rounds, and all fire simultaneously. All cannons exhaust their ammunition supply at the same time.  
+
The four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted in each wing. Each has an ammunition load of 200 rounds, and all fire simultaneously. All cannons exhaust their ammunition supply at the same time.
  
−
The AN/M3 is an excellent all-rounder cannon, dealing consistently lethal damage to enemy aircraft with both API-T and HEF-I shells, but also being able to pierce lightly armoured tanks with API-T shells, which can penetrate 27 mm of RHA at 500 m, enough to deal with nearly every light tank the AD-4 will encounter. However, the AN/M3's accuracy without the "New 20 mm Cannons" modification is exceptionally poor, with hit probabilities outside of 500-600 m becoming very low due to high bullet spread.
+
The 20 mm M3 is an excellent all-rounder cannon, dealing consistently lethal damage to enemy aircraft with both API-T and HEF-I shells, but also being able to pierce lightly armoured tanks with API-T shells, which can penetrate 27 mm of RHA at 500 m, enough to deal with nearly every light tank the AD-4 will encounter. However, the M3's accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification is exceptionally poor, with hit probabilities outside of 500-600 m becoming very low due to high bullet spread.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|HVAR|Tiny Tim|T10 140}}
 
 
{{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|Mk.13/44}}
+
{{main|HVAR|T10 140|T10 151|Tiny Tim|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
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* Without load
 
* 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 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
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs
+
* 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
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x Tiny Tim + 12 x HVAR rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedo
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13/44 torpedo
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
−
The AD-4 is a well-suited aircraft for its primary role—ground attack—and provides the pilot with a large variety of highly effective payload options for dealing with different types of targets. Depending on the pilot's preference, the French AD-4 has access to over twenty options for suspended armaments, consisting mostly of different types of bomb/rocket hybrid payloads.  
+
The AD-4 is a well-suited aircraft for its primary role—ground attack—and provides the pilot with a large variety of highly effective payload options for dealing with different types of targets. Depending on the pilot's preference, the French AD-4 has access to over twenty options for suspended armaments, consisting mostly of different types of bomb/rocket hybrid payloads.
  
−
There are three primary rocket selections available to the French AD-4; twelve HVAR rockets, twenty-four T10 151 AP rockets, and twenty-four T10 140 HE rockets. Each rocket type can be used with the full range of hybrid payloads, which includes a Mk.13/44 torpedo, two Tiny Tim rockets, or a selection of bomb set-ups including 2,000 lb bombs, 1,000 lb bombs, 500 lb bombs, or combinations of the three as listed above. Your choices will vary based on your expected target type and game mode. T10 T151 rockets plus two Tiny Tims, for instance, may be the best option for dealing with enemy anti-air in ground  
+
There are three primary rocket selections available to the French AD-4; twelve HVAR rockets, twenty-four T10 151 AP rockets, and twenty-four T10 140 HE rockets. Each rocket type can be used with the full range of hybrid payloads, which includes a Mk.13-1 Case torpedo, two Tiny Tim rockets, or a selection of bomb set-ups including 2,000 lb bombs, 1,000 lb bombs, 500 lb bombs, or combinations of the three as listed above. Your choices will vary based on your expected target type and game mode. T10 T151 rockets plus two Tiny Tims, for instance, may be the best option for dealing with enemy anti-air in ground
  
 
The AD-4's biggest enemy is opposing fighter planes.  The Skyraider is a massive, heavy, and difficult to manoeuvre target, and enemy fighters will have no trouble sticking to one like glue. AD-4 pilots will need to take this into consideration when entering the combat area. The AD-4 is quite survivable, so it can take head-ons in spite of its wing-mounted guns, and deal considerable damage with the AN/M3s, though it may often be better to wait for friendly fighter cover or retreat immediately to allied anti-air once the threat of enemy air arises.
 
The AD-4's biggest enemy is opposing fighter planes.  The Skyraider is a massive, heavy, and difficult to manoeuvre target, and enemy fighters will have no trouble sticking to one like glue. AD-4 pilots will need to take this into consideration when entering the combat area. The AD-4 is quite survivable, so it can take head-ons in spite of its wing-mounted guns, and deal considerable damage with the AN/M3s, though it may often be better to wait for friendly fighter cover or retreat immediately to allied anti-air once the threat of enemy air arises.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
−
|-
 
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || Controllable || Not controllable || Combined || Controllable || 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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 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:'''
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== 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 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).'' -->
−
The AD-4 is part of a long line of piston-engined attack aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company, starting with the A-1 Skyraider, seeing service across the globe in various ground strike roles. The variant of the French AD-4 represented in War Thunder is the French AD-4NA, a variant of the formerly three-seated AD-4N night attack plane which was converted to a single-seated attacker in American Service before being sold to France, though France did also come into possession of the AD-4N.  
+
The AD-4 is part of a long line of piston-engined attack aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company, starting with the A-1 Skyraider, seeing service across the globe in various ground strike roles. The variant of the French AD-4 represented in War Thunder is the French AD-4NA, a variant of the formerly three-seated AD-4N night attack plane which was converted to a single-seated attacker in American Service before being sold to France, though France did also come into possession of the AD-4N.
  
 
Having notably served during the Korean War under the USN and USAF, the Skyraider attracted many potential buyers including France who acquired 40 AD-4NA and 53 AD-4N aircraft from the US Navy Surplus in 1959. The Skyraider saw service in France's Armée de l'Air starting in 1960, during the Algerian War being sent against the Front de Libération Nationale, a movement fighting for the independence of Algeria from French rule. When the country gained independence in 1962, the AD-4 was relegated to service in Djibouti, then called the French Territory of Afars and the Issas. The French AD-4s last saw combat in Chad, where the French used them to support the government against Islamic guerilla forces in the area.
 
Having notably served during the Korean War under the USN and USAF, the Skyraider attracted many potential buyers including France who acquired 40 AD-4NA and 53 AD-4N aircraft from the US Navy Surplus in 1959. The Skyraider saw service in France's Armée de l'Air starting in 1960, during the Algerian War being sent against the Front de Libération Nationale, a movement fighting for the independence of Algeria from French rule. When the country gained independence in 1962, the AD-4 was relegated to service in Djibouti, then called the French Territory of Afars and the Issas. The French AD-4s last saw combat in Chad, where the French used them to support the government against Islamic guerilla forces in the area.
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== 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;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385967-douglas-ad-4-skyraider/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385967-douglas-ad-4-skyraider/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

Revision as of 17:55, 28 January 2021

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

Description

The ▄AD-4 Skyraider is a rank IV French attacker with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB), 6.0 (RB), and 5.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

General info

Flight performance

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

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

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

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ ✓ 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

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

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

Modifications and economy

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

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The AD-4 (France) is armed with:

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

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

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)
Main articles: HVAR, T10 140, T10 151, Tiny Tim, Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)

The AD-4 (France) 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
  • 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)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

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

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

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

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

History

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

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

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

Media

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

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

References

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


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

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

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