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

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{{Specs-Card|code=douglas_ad_4_france}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = French attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the American version
 +
| link = AD-4
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=douglas_ad_4_france
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_AD-4(France).jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
{{break}}
+
 
The '''AD-4''' is a Rank IV French attacker with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB) and 6.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].  
 
 
== 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}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''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.
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
 
|-
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
|-
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,822 m)
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || ?,000 || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
! Stock
 +
| 557 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.0 || 24.6 || 11.5 || 11.5 || rowspan="2" | 600
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 621 || 587 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 24.7 || 15.5
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 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
 
|-
 
| ? || ? || ?,000 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || ?
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || || || || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 345 || 252 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 82: Line 65:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 460 || < 480 || < 410 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 103: Line 83:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 1,128 m || 2,700 hp || 3,200 hp
 
|-
 
|-
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 111: Line 91:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 4,920 m || 2,170 hp || 2,679 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plates under the engine.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plates under the engine.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.
 
* 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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
{{main|AN/M3 (20 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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 AD-4 (France) is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 20mm [[AN/M3_(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 are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.
+
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 ===
 
=== 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
{{main|Mk.13/44 (2,216 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
+
<!-- ''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)}}
The AD-4 (France) can be loaded with:
+
{{main|HVAR|T10 140|T10 151|Tiny Tim|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets
* 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb [[Mk.12/44 (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|Tiny Tim]] rockets + 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] bombs
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|Tiny Tim]] + 12 x [[HVAR|HVAR]] rockets + 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|HVAR]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|HVAR]] rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|AN-M66A2]] bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x [[Tiny_Tim|Tiny Tim]] rockets
+
* 24 x T10 140 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 24 x [[T10 140|T10 140]] rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb [[Mk.12/44 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|AN-M66A2]] bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x [[Tiny_Tim|Tiny Tim]] rockets
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 24 x [[T10 140|T10 140]] rockets + 1 x 2,216 lb [[Mk.12/44 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|AN-M66A2]]2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] bombs + 1 x 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2,000 lb [[AN-M66A2 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb [[AN-M65A1 (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|T10 140]] rockets + 2 x 500 lb [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] bombs
+
* 24 x T10 151 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
<!--=== 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.''-->
 
  
== Usage in the 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 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 well suited for ground attack.  All of the suspended payload options provide high damage output whether from rockets or bombs. The wing mounted cannons also will aid in dealing out damage, especially if turned on other aircraft.
+
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.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
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 ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! 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
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
* Large variety of payload options
+
 
 +
* 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
 +
* Has air brakes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Increased payload weight decreases speed and maneouverability
+
 
 +
* 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
 +
* No tail hook for carrier landings, unlike the American naval AD-4
  
 
== 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 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 <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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.
 +
 
 +
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.<ref name="Francillion" />
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23ad4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|VHJN6ZWOmnY|'''The bane of tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:37 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 +
 
 +
== 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
 +
 
 +
* [[AD-4]]
  
== Sources ==
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* [[AD-2]]
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* [[AM-1]]
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== External links ==
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385967-douglas-ad-4-skyraider/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
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=== References ===
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<references>
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<ref name="Francillion">Francillon, René J. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920. London: Putnam, 1979. ISBN 0-370-00050-1. </ref>
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</references>
  
{{French bombers}}
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{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
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{{France twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Revision as of 11:23, 20 March 2021

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
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
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 strike aircraft 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 345 252 ~12 ~5
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

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
  • Has air brakes

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
  • 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

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