Douglas AD-5W Skyraider

Last revised October 18, 2001

The AD-5W was an early warning version of the AD-5 which had a large radome underneath the fuselage and was fitted with a new metal rear canopy. 239 were built.

The giant radome underneath the fuselage made the AD-5W bulkier and less maneuverable than other Skyraiders, and the plane had a greater tendency to stall.

In September of 1962, surviving AD-5Ws were redesignated EA-1E.

Specification of Douglas AD-5W Skyraider

Engine: One Wright R-3350-26WA Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 2700 hp for takeoff and 2100 hp at 14,500 feet. Performance: Maximum speed 300 mph at 18,300 feet, 25,000 feet service ceiling, Maximum range 1135 nautical miles Weights: 12,100 pounds empty, 17,000 pounds normal loaded, 25,000 pounds maximum. Dimensions: Wingspan 50 feet 0 1/4 inches, length 40 feet, height 13 feet 9 inches, wing area 400.33 square feet. The AD-5W was unarmed

Serial Numbers of Douglas AD-5W Skyraider


132729/132792		Douglas AD-5W Skyraider
				c/n 9325/9388. 
133757/133776		Douglas AD-5W Skyraider
				c/n 9389/9408.
135139/135222		Douglas AD-5W Skyraider
				c/n 10216/10299.


Sources:


  1. Douglas A-1 Skyraider, Robert F. Dorr, Osprey, 1989

  2. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920, Vol 1, Rene J. Francillon, Naval Institute Press, 1988

  3. American Combat Planes, 3rd Edition, Ray Wagner, Doubleday, 1982.