Douglas AD (A-1) Skyraider

During World War II the Navy began looking for a new dive-bomber torpedo aircraft to meet its changing tactical and operational requirements. Several planes, among them the AD's direct predecessor, the SB2D/BTD, were developed by the Bureau of Aeronautics. Design difficulties and over-weight problems, however, ultimately led to a decision not to produce the SB2D/BTD. This in turn led to a new design which incorporated the good features of the SB2D/BTD while overcoming its inherent difficulties.

The AD series (later redesignated A-1) that emerged from the combined efforts of the Bureau of Aeronautics and Douglas, who was the contractor, had two particularly significant design aspects. First, great emphasis was placed on the importance of the stringent weight control policy. Secondly, the standard bulky, heavy bomb displacing gear was replaced by a light, explosive device which literally blew the bomb clear. In comparison with the most advanced operational dive-bombers in 1945, the AD's initial design compared most favorably with a 27 percent greater top speed and a capability of carrying up to 4,000 pounds of either bombs or torpedoes.

First contract		6 Jul 1944
First flight		18 Mar 1945
First reported in squadron		6 Dec 1946
Last delivery		Mar 1957
Last reported in squadron		31 Dec 1971
Number accepted		3,180

Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds)

Only one model will list the technical specifications for the aircraft. All the other models will only identify the specific changes resulting in a new model designation.

• AD-1: The initial single seat version of the Skyraider was powered by a 2,500 hp Wright R-3350-24W engine. Its details were as follows: Weight empty 10,508 lbs Gross (Scout) 13,924 lbs Gross (Bomber) 18,030 lbs Dimensions: Wing span 50 ft Length 38 ft 4 in Height 17 ft 6 in Ordnance on Fuselage: Bombs one 2,000 lbs Depth bomb one 650 lbs Mine one 2,000 lbs Torpedo one MK 13-3 Ordnance on Wings: Bombs two 2,000 lbs Depth Bombs two 650 lbs Mines two 1,000 lbs Rockets two 11.75 in. Tiny Tim twelve HVAR Torpedo two MK 13-3 Guns two 20 mm (M3)
• AD-1Q: AD-1 with countermeasures unit. AD-2: Powered with the improved 2,700 hp Wright R-3350- 26W engine.
• AD-2Q: AD-2 with countermeasures equipment.
• AD-3: Stronger fuselage, improved landing gear, new canopy design.
• AD-3N: Equipped for night attack.
• AD-3Q: Countermeasures equipment improved and relocated to provide better operation and crew comfort.
• AD-3W: Airborne early warning equipment.
• AD-4: The AD-4 was equipped with a strengthened landing gear, improved radar, G-2 compass, anti-G suit provisions, 4-20 mm cannon, and Aero 14 rocket launchers capable of carrying up to 50 pounds of bombs.
• AD-4W: Airborne early warning equipment.
• AD-1N: The primary mission of the AD-4N airplane was night attack and radar countermeasures.
• AD-4Q: Countermeasures equipment.
• AD-5 (Redesignated A-1E): A redesign of the aircraft. The AD-5 incorporated side by side seating for an assistant pilot. The revised crew arrangement facilitated all-weather operation and permitted utilization for long range navigation, radar search, spotting and observation, air support coordination, instrument training, pilot familiarization and other operations requiring a second crew member. Controls, armament and tactical equipment were located for single pilot operation. A single dive brake was provided for dive bombing and maneuvering control. The AD-5 could be converted rapidly aboard a carrier for operation as a passenger, cargo, ambulance or long range airplane by installation of appropriate conversion kits supplied as alternate equipment.
• AD-5N (Redesignated A-1G): Night attack version with radar countermeasures.
• AD-5W (Redesignated EA-1E): Airborne early warning version.
• AD-6 (Redesignated A-1H): The single-place airplane is conventional in design and structure, landing gear, canopy, flaps, wing fold-ing and three fuselage dive brakes are operated hydraulically. Capable of low level bombing, the centerline bomb station of the AD-6 was capable of carrying external stores up to 3500 pounds weight and 30 inches diameter. A combination 14 and 30 inch sus-pension bomb ejector was installed. A bomb director suitable for either high or low altitude bombing was also installed.
• AD-7 (Redesignated A-1J): The improvements in the AD-7 over its predecessors include the use of the R-3350-26WB engine and structural improvements in the wing to improve fatigue life.

Other Designations

• AD-1U: AD-1 with radar countermeasures and tow target equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection equipment.
• XAD-1W: AD-1 with airborne early warning equipment. AD-3W prototype.
• XAD-2: Similar to XBT2D-1 except engine, increased fuel capacity.
• AD-2N: Equipped for night operations.
• AD-2U: AD-2 with radar countermeasure and tow target equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection equipment.
• XAD-3E: AD-3W modified for submarine search. Aeroproducts propeller.
• AD-2W: AD-2 with airborne early warning equipment.
• AD-4L: AD-4 equipped for winterized version.