Difference between revisions of "AD-4"

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{{Specs-Card|code=douglas_ad_4}}
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{{About
 +
| about = American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = AD Skyraider (Family)
 +
}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=douglas_ad_4
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_douglas_ad_4.jpg
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}}
  
 
== 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 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 AD-4 Skyraider was an enhanced version of the AD-3 with a more powerful R-3350-26WA engine, strengthened landing gear, increased armament, and a better radar. It played a significant role in the Navy's ground strike missions during the Korean War. One notable air-to-air kill was achieved by a USMC AD-4 in 1953. The Skyraiders, commonly painted blue, were nicknamed the "Blue Plane" by enemy forces in Korea. They were usually shot down due to ground fire during low-altitude attacks. The aircraft also saw action in the Cathay Pacific VR-HEU Incident and later in the Vietnam War. A total of 372 AD-4s were built.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. The AD-4 is a thoroughbred 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 Mighty Mouse 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 ==
 
== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 557 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.0 || 24.6 || 11.5 || 11.5 || rowspan="2" | 600
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 621 || 587 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 797 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 365 || 345 || 252 || ~12 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
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* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate under the engine
−
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
+
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot
  
−
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
;As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordnance.
−
''Defensive weaponry 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 ==
+
Start off with ''Offensive 20 mm'', to unlock ''Universal'' belts with a higher composition of API-T shells for ground attack. <br>
−
''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).''
+
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 few ground targets, such as Norway.
 +
# 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.
 +
# 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 ''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
 +
 
 +
# 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''. <br>
 +
# Finally, with tier 4 open, research ''LBC mk.I''. <br>
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|M3 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="3%" | 1 !! width="3%" | 2 !! width="3%" | 3 !! width="3%" | 4 !! width="3%" | 5 !! width="3%" | 6 !! width="3%" | 7 !! width="3%" | 8 !! width="3%" | 9 !! width="3%" | 10 !! width="3%" | 11 !! width="3%" | 12 !! width="3%" | 13 !! width="3%" | 14 !! width="3%" | 15
 +
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AD-2.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[A.P. AN-MK 33 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)|1,600 lb AN-Mk 1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb AN-M66A2]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || || 1 || || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 78 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| || || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || || || || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[HVAR]] rockets
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tiny Tim]] rockets
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk.13-6 Case (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case]] torpedoes
 +
| || || || || || || || 1 || || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type A Mark I mine|Type A Mark I]] mines
 +
| || || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 12 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 +
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (4,800 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
 +
* 3 x Type A Mark I mines
 +
* 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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.]]
 +
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====
 +
<!--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 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====
 +
<!--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 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 ===
 +
{| 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 || 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. 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* 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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Slower than nearly all planes it meets
−
''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/index.php?title=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.''
+
* 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: <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 Skyraider was an improved model of the AD-3. The main improvement came with a more powerful R-3350-26WA engine. It also featured stronger landing gear and an improved radar. The armament was increased to four 20mm cannons. Provisions were added for 14 Aero rocket launchers. 372 AD-4 Skyraiders were built.
 +
 
 +
AD Skyraiders made up the bulk of the Navy's ground strike sorties. The only Skyraider air-to-air kill during the war occurred on 16 June 1953. A USMC AD-4 from VMC-1, piloted by Major George H. Linnemeier and CWO Vernon S. Kramer, shot down a Polikarpov Po-2 biplane in that action. Often painted blue, the Skyraider was nicknamed the "Blue Plane" by enemy forces during the Korean War. Many Skyraiders were shot down by ground fire during the war while flying low-altitude ground attack missions.
 +
 
 +
Skyraiders later participated in the Cathay Pacific VR-HEU Incident and the Vietnam War.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
  
−
== Read also ==
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=douglas_ad_4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|qQjxB7WRaJg|'''The Shooting Range #185''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:10 discusses the Douglas Skyraider.}}
 +
 
 +
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* Douglas [[A2D-1|A2D]] ''Skyshark''
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* Aichi [[B7A2|B7A]]
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* Martin [[AM-1|AM]] ''Mauler''
 +
* Westland [[Wyvern S4|Wyvern]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392585-douglas-ad-4-skyraider/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
* [https://www.historynet.com/able-dog-was-the-ad-skyraider-the-best-attack-bomber-ever-built.htm [History Net<nowiki>]</nowiki> Able Dog: Was the AD Skyraider the Best Attack Bomber Ever Built?] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210418234140/https://www.historynet.com/able-dog-was-the-ad-skyraider-the-best-attack-bomber-ever-built.htm Web Archive])
 +
* [https://www.boeing.com/history/products/ad-a-1-skyraider-bomber.page [Boeing<nowiki>]</nowiki> AD/A-1 SKYRAIDER ATTACK BOMBER] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210418234204/https://www.boeing.com/history/products/ad-a-1-skyraider-bomber.page Web Archive])
 +
* [https://www.airvectors.net/ava1spad.html [Air Vectors<nowiki>]</nowiki> The Douglas AD / A-1 Skyraider] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210418234200/https://www.airvectors.net/ava1spad.html Web Archive])
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
 +
{{USA strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 13:18, 26 February 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the American strike aircraft AD-4. For other versions, see AD Skyraider (Family).
AD-4
douglas_ad_4.png
GarageImage AD-4.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/9/96/Cockpit_douglas_ad_4.jpg
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

The AD-4 Skyraider was an enhanced version of the AD-3 with a more powerful R-3350-26WA engine, strengthened landing gear, increased armament, and a better radar. It played a significant role in the Navy's ground strike missions during the Korean War. One notable air-to-air kill was achieved by a USMC AD-4 in 1953. The Skyraiders, commonly painted blue, were nicknamed the "Blue Plane" by enemy forces in Korea. They were usually shot down due to ground fire during low-altitude attacks. The aircraft also saw action in the Cathay Pacific VR-HEU Incident and later in the Vietnam War. A total of 372 AD-4s were built.

It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance". The AD-4 is a thoroughbred 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 Mighty Mouse 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

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
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
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
797 680 365 345 252 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 460 < 480 < 410 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear680 km/h
  • 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

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 750 → 3 454 Sl icon.png
RB4 563 → 5 731 Sl icon.png
SB8 389 → 10 536 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications56 100 Rp icon.png
97 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 190 / 600 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
anm3_belt_pack
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Mk78
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mk.I
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TC mk.I
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
LFRC mk.12
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
anm3_new_gun
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.I
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air naval mine.png
Mk 13 Mod 0
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC mk.I
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods air naval mine.png
Mk 13 Mod 0
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
FFAR Mighty Mouse
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
As an attacker, your priority is on obtaining more effective ground attack ordnance.

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.

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:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Hardpoints AD-2.png
250 lb AN-M57 bombs 1 1
500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs 1 1 1
1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs 1 1 1
2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs 1
Mk 78 incendiary bombs 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
HVAR rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Tiny Tim rockets 1 1
2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes 1
Type A Mark I mines 1 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb A.P. AN-MK 33 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (4,800 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
  • 3 x Type A Mark I mines
  • 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs

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

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

The AD-4 Skyraider was an improved model of the AD-3. The main improvement came with a more powerful R-3350-26WA engine. It also featured stronger landing gear and an improved radar. The armament was increased to four 20mm cannons. Provisions were added for 14 Aero rocket launchers. 372 AD-4 Skyraiders were built.

AD Skyraiders made up the bulk of the Navy's ground strike sorties. The only Skyraider air-to-air kill during the war occurred on 16 June 1953. A USMC AD-4 from VMC-1, piloted by Major George H. Linnemeier and CWO Vernon S. Kramer, shot down a Polikarpov Po-2 biplane in that action. Often painted blue, the Skyraider was nicknamed the "Blue Plane" by enemy forces during the Korean War. Many Skyraiders were shot down by ground fire during the war while flying low-altitude ground attack missions.

Skyraiders later participated in the Cathay Pacific VR-HEU Incident and the Vietnam War.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #185 - Pages of History section at 04:10 discusses the Douglas Skyraider.

See also

Related development
  • Douglas A2D Skyshark
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


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

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