A2D-1

A2D-1

360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/26/Cockpit_a2d.jpg

A2D-1

USA

V Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
9.0	7.0	7.0

Class:

PREMIUM

Strike aircraft

Naval aircraft

Torpedo bomber

Purchase:6 900

Show in game

Description

The A2D-1 Skyshark is a premium rank V American attacker with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB) and 7.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy".

The A2D-1 was outfitted with the Allison XT40A turboprop engine, effectively doubling the horsepower over the AD-2 Skyraider, however, installation of contra-rotating propellers was needed to harness all of that power. To accommodate this new thrust, the wing roots were decreased in their thickness while the tail section became larger and taller in order to stabilize the aircraft when under power. With the new engine situated, it was time to focus on the armament of the aircraft. Basic offensive 20 mm cannons were implemented, placing two in each wing with each gun being loaded with 400 rounds of ammunition, twice the firepower as on the Skyraider!

The Douglas A2D-1 did not have the same legacy as the A-1 Skyraider, however here in War Thunder new life has been given to this hybrid turbo-prop fighter allowing it to find a niche as an attacker turned fighter and/or bomber, all depending on the ordnance outfitted by the pilot. Not to be underestimated, though having a bulky airframe, the A2D-1 has the speed and ordnance which can help in turning the tide of a battle. Often this aircraft will come up against jet aircraft, but its lack of speed can be made up in manoeuvrability and skill of the pilot in command.

General info

Flight performance

5500 shaft horsepower (!sic) — Let this sink in for a moment. Nigh triple that of the another contra-rotating propeller machine in the game, the Seafire Mk.47 - queen of the Spitfires. Furthermore looking at the statistics, one sees more to be gay about. The top speed rivals early jets, rate of climb is phenomenal and the short take off run speaks for a great acceleration. Every characteristic tells the tale of a great energy fighting machine. This attacker is very much unlike its older cousin the AD-2 Skyraider.

But the devil is in the detail. The wing loading is exceptional high >220 kg/m², sitting even above the P-47 Thunderbolt. It further does so in category of weight and size. Make no mistake, the Skyshark is a Skywhale and flies appropriately at times. Due the weight, the elevator authority feels weak amd one will kiss the ground more than once, before learning to fly with the momentum properly. Rapid pitch changes are not the Skysharks forte, an abusable fact known to aces. Worse still is the jittery behaviour while maneuvering or taking aim. Again the aircraft's mass will delay any inputs, especially noticeable in simulator mode. Another quirk is the engine itself: As a turboprop the jets require a spool-up time when going from low to high power.

Of course one wants to exploit the A2D Skysharks' advantages. From above we can notice a plane much simuilar to it: The P-47M Thunderbolt. However, in one thing they are apart: Their climb rate, the Bolt's Achilles heel. Further the acceleration is better, thanks to the 5500 shaft-hp allowing for a better sustained turn rate despite mediocre maneuverbility. This allows the A2D to outshine many early jets in turn dogfights. Maintaining a Yo-Yo with 350 km/h IAS is possible and sadly necessary, any slower than this and the aircraft becomes less responsive. A rare case were lower speeds reduce overall controllability. Again the max weight rears its ugly head.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 8,534 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
796	796	13200	20.6	21.2	32.4	32.1	350
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 8,534 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
796	796	13200	19.5	20.0	36.4	34.4	350

Details

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

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flaps (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
		600	~9	~4

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 460	< 480	< 460	N/A

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
1,000 m	5,034 hp	N/A

Survivability and armour

The A2D1 has no protection for the Pilot which makes it very vulnerable to AAA and other Aircraft. The radar is also vulnerable. Belly landings normally result in the tail being ripped off and the aircraft breaking the wings. The engines perform well even when damaged and can fly with one heavily damaged and one operational. Rolling with negative G's can rip the wings off. Fires can be quite common.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The A2D-1 is armed with:

• 4 x 20 mm T31 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The T31 is a modification of the Hispano-Suiza system and an improvement from the AN-M2 cannon, mostly in weight though. The quadrupple punch is a welcomed upgrade from the Skyraiders. However as the autocannons are mounted in the wings, the pilot must be cognizant of their range to the target and their convergence setting to ensure the ammunition hits the target and doesn’t just fly on by.

Suspended armament

The A2D-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• Without load
• 20 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,000 lb total)
• 20 x HVAR rockets
• 10 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (5,000 lb total)
• 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
• 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
• 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs + 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
• 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs + 20 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
• 2 x Mk.13/44 torpedoes

Twenty-two total hardpoints allow the A2D-1 to carry an abundance of suspended ordnance much like the Skyraider. Choices of bombs, rockets and torpedoes open up the possibility of targets which can be engaged. Choices in bombs provide options with either 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb and 2,000 lb bombs. With these targets can range from mobile light trucks, anti-aircraft artillery, tanks, pillboxes and even bases. HVAR rockets provide flexibility to allow the A2D-1 to fire them from any angle (a restriction which bombs have) as the aircraft descends towards the target. The Mk.13/44 torpedoes are outfitted with a special frangible wooden drag ring and box stabilizer which allow for the torpedo to be dropped at high speeds and from higher altitudes than unmodified torpedoes making them a perfect option for the A2D-1 when taking on an anti-shipping role.

Usage in battles

In Arcade and Realistic Battles, the A2D-1 can climb with no extra armament to become top cover for the allied fighters, or alternatively escort bombers to their designation. It can also carry one of its most hard hitting armaments and destroy several ground targets or destroy two bases. Though in Simulator Battles the jittery controls and lack of control make it more akin to a B-57B fast jet bomber.

Dogfights

With its outstanding acceleration and climb-rate the Skyshark can safely assault hostile ground forces and then decide to join the fray, by either assault climbing the closest hostile, relying on its acceleration to gain an energy advantage mid dogfight, or return to allied fighter pack to rejoin their climb. Going straight for the climb from the start will put the A2D at an immense energy advantage should the fight start.

Preferred combat styles are energy fighting, due its aforementioned acceleration and climb-rate, but also Boom and Zoom for the Skyshark is a heavy weight, note though it can easily reach its terminal velocity and loose all wings, coupled with the slow spool-up-time of the engine from low power, a provident engine and air-brake control is paramount! The G-Suit is a welcomed addition, but will often lead to ripped wings via g-forces in diving maneuvers.

Combat versus Jets differs amusingly little than versus propeller crafts. After easily gaining an altitude advantage, dive on the hostile and force it to break away (turn), hence losing speed and energy. Three things could happen now.

1. the enemy jet dives - do not try follow too long, your terminal speed is lesser than most jets -> regain altitude,
2. the enemy jet runs - hostile didn't lose too much speed, or assumes the A2D's speed and acceleration to be lesser. If it is the latter -> outpace and kill it,
3. the enemy jet breaks more - hostile is either trying to force an overshoot or prepares for a dogfight, either way -> engage in manoeuvre combat.

Versus propeller fighters one should engage in turnfights, otherwise the Skyshark is most dominant against most WW2 fighters. Few Rank 4 fighters can challenge the A2D on equal terms, so stay sharp.

Strafing

The A2D-1 can be a very valuable asset to teams looking to win by destroying ground troops or assaulting the airfield. However the Skyshark is so heavy weight and hence slugish that every strafing attempt is an inch away from a crash. The momentum change comes later than expected and is more akin to a medium bomber like the B-25. One is not surprised the US Navy stuck with the older AD-2, as in the ground attacker role the Skyshark must play a slow game. Take time for every attack run and try to maintain a speed way above 300 km/h IAS with combat flaps. This is a very high velocity for strafing runs, however any less and the plane will not rise above the newly explosive laden ground...

Radars

The A2D-1 is equipped with an AN/APS-19 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in nose, inside the propeller hub.

AN/APS-19 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum Detection Range	Guaranteed Detection Range	Max Azimuth Scan Angle	Max Elevation Scan Angle
60,000 m (theoretical)	7,200 m	±67.5°	±67.5°
AN/APS-19 - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum Tracking Range	Minimum Tracking Range	Azimuth Tracking Angle	Elevation Tracking Angle
1,500 m	150 m	±15°	±15°

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Not controllable	Not controllable Not auto controlled	Not controllable Auto control available	Not controllable Auto control available	Combined	Not controllable 1 gear	Not controllable

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage repair	Radiator		Offensive 20 mm	M64
II		Compressor	Airframe		M65	FRC mk.2
III	Wings repair	Engine		New 20 mm cannons	Mk.13
IV	G-suit		Cover		M66
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Powerful turboprop dual engines
• Quad 20 mm cannon armament
• Possesses tracking and search Radar
• Impressive payload
• Premium bonuses
• Naval aircraft capable of carrier-landing

Cons:

• Quite sluggish
• Extremely large profile
• Time limit on radar
• Tracking Radar only works at < 1 km
• Extremely large profile for an attacker
• Tail of aircraft is fragile
• Extremely loud propulsion system allows for easy detection

History

The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an impressive aircraft for a piston-driven propeller-powered aircraft which survived into the jet age, being used by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and around nine other countries over its 40-year service. Like many aircraft which were successful, they went through many iterations and variants to keep them up to date with new requirements and technology as they came about. In an age where jet aircraft were beginning to overtake propeller-driven aircraft in all aspects of military service, the Bureau of Aeronautics which was the U.S. Navy’s material-support organization was looking for a suitable option for an attack aircraft which would be more fuel-efficient than the upcoming jet fighters. To meet the Navy’s requirement, Douglas Aircraft looked to their AD Skyraider airframe and considered modifying it to accept a more fuel economical turboprop engine.

In the early years following the war, jet engines underwent rapid development. This attracted the interest of the US Navy, which sought to arm itself with aircraft that were superior to that of potential opponents in speed, altitude, payload, and flight range.

As it turned out, jet engines were perfect for fighter aircraft but too “voracious” for strike aircraft, as they significantly reduced their range. The best engineering solution was to introduce the turboprop engine, which was a task the Douglas company undertook.

Initially, engineers simply wanted to replace the piston engine of the Skyraider attack aircraft with a turboprop engine. However, this led nowhere and the vehicle required significant modification. In the end, the engineers settled on a prototype with Allison Т-40А-2 turboprop engines and coaxial propellers.

The first flight of the XA2D-1 prototype, called the Skyshark, took place on May 26, 1950, but engine vibration nearly destroyed the aircraft and it was forced to land after only two minutes. By December 1950, the prototype had already completed over a dozen flights. However, a routine flight on December 19, 1950, ended in tragedy. Due to issues with the engine, the vehicle and pilot crashed. Nevertheless, testing continued and, despite the many technical problems that plagued the aircraft, the army ordered 10 pre-production models of the A2D-1. However, on August 5, 1954, another accident occurred when the main gearbox failed, and the aircraft crashed a short distance outside Los Angeles. This time, the pilot managed to escape the aircraft, but the project was closed and it was decided to dismantle any existing prototypes. Apparently, this decision was influenced by the fact that in the same year for the first time Douglas got another project in the air, this later became the famous A4D Skyhawk - a new generation of jets.

- From Devblog

Media

Images

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Videos

The Shooting Range #158 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the A2D-1.

Is It Worth Your Money? War Thunder 1.89 A2D-1 Commentary - DEFYN

Jaws With Wings - A2D-1 SkyShark - Ground Forces RB Gameplay - CyberDeath Gaming

See also

Related development

• AD-2 Skyraider
• AD-4 Skyraider

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Westland Wyvern S4
• P-47M Thunderbolt

External links

• [Devblog] Douglas A2D-1 Skyshark: Wyvern to the Max!
• [[https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453543-douglas-a2d-1-skyshark/|[WT Aircraft Data Sheets] Douglas A2D-1 Skyshark]]

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.