The AD-4 version was built in larger numbers than any other Skyraider variant. The AD-4 differed from earlier
Skyraider variants
in being powered by an improved engine, the 2700 hp R-3350-26WA. It had an improved windshield with
better bulletproof protection,
a P-1 automatic pilot, and a modified arrester hook. A pitot tube was added at the top of the leading edge
of the the vertical tail.
Specification of Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
Engine: One Wright R-3350-26WA Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, rated at 2700 hp for takeoff
and 2100 hp at 14,500 feet.
Performance: Maximum speed 350 mph at 18,300 feet,
Service ceiling 23,500 feet. Combat ceiling 25,300 feet. Initial climb rate 2880 feet/min. An altitude
of 10,000 feet could be reached in 7.5 minutes. Combat range 1250 nautical miles with 2000 lbs of bombs
and 21 rockets plus 2 1050 gallon drop tanks.
Weights: 11,700 pounds empty, 21,400 pounds gross, 25,000 pounds maximum.
Dimensions: Wingspan 50 feet 0 1/4 inches, length 39 feet 3 inches, height 12 feet,
wing area 400.33 square feet.
Armament: Two 20-mm cannon in the wing. Three 2000-lb bombs, torpedoes, or drop tranks could be carried on the
main pylons, while outer-wing stations could bused to carry 500-lb bombs or rockets. A maximum of 9900 pounds
of ordnance could be carried in land-based operations, or 6500 pounds in shipboard operations.
Serial Numbers of Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
123771/124006 Douglas AD-4 Skyraider c/n 7077/7312 124007/124036 Douglas AD-4 Skyraider Contract cancelled. 127844/127879 Douglas AD-4 Skyraider c/n 7859/7894 128917/129016 Douglas AD-4 Skyraider c/n 8235/8334
Sources:
-
Douglas A-1 Skyraider, Robert F. Dorr, Osprey, 1989
-
McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920, Vol 1, Rene J. Francillon, Naval Institute
Press, 1988
- American Combat Planes, 3rd Edition, Ray Wagner, Doubleday, 1982.
