The designation AD-3 was initially assigned to a proposed turboprop-powered version. Enough interest was generated by this project that the designation was changed to XA2D-1, and the AD-3 designation was reused for an improved version of the AD-2
The AD-3 was powered by the more-powerful R-3350-26W engine. An improved undercarriage with a 14-inch longer stroke was
fitted. A new shape was created for the tail wheel, which was now no longer fully retractable. A hand hold was
added near the tail wheel which made moving the aircraft around on the carrier deck easier.
There were significant changes made to the cockpit instrumentation layout, based on recommendations
from the field. The pitot tube which had been added to the vertical fit of the AD-2 was deleted.
The cockpit canopy was redesigned, an improved propeller and engine cooling system, and further local
structural strengthening was provided. The maximum gross weight was now up to 18,500 pounds.
Specification of Douglas AD-3 Skyraider
Engine: One Wright R-3350-26W Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, rated at 2700 hp for takeoff.
Performance: Maximum speed 321 mph at 18,300 feet, cruising speed 200 mph.
Service ceiling 32,300 feet, Initial climb rate 2760 feet/min. Maximum range 1300 nautical miles
Weights: 10,800 pounds empty, 16,000 pounds gross, 18,500 pounds maximum.
Dimensions: Wingspan 50 feet 0 1/4 inches, length 38 feet 2 inches, height 12 feet,
wing area 400.33 square feet.
Armament: Two 20-mm cannon in the wing.
Serial Numbers of Douglas AD-3 Skyraider
122729/122853 Douglas AD-3 Skyraider c/n 6851/6975
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.
