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Skyraider
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Horsepower:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Ordnance:
Cannons:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First flight:
Year Deployed: |
ground attack
one
Wright R3350
2,800
10,550 lbs.
25,000 lbs.
8,000 lbs.
4 - 20 mm
38' 10"
50' 9"
204 mph
312 mph
2,300 fpm
25,500 feet
3,050 miles
March 19, 1945
1946 |
The Skyraider, manufactured by Douglas, is considered one of the best attack aircraft ever to fly. Its origins trace back to World War II,
as an upgrade for older aircraft. A prototype Skyraider first took to the sky on March 19, 1945 with deployment in December of 1946.
During WW II the US Navy wanted a new torpedo dive bomber. In response a number of aircraft in the SB2D/BTD class were proposed. Engineering
difficulties and weight problems ended the project. Ultimately, a different aircraft was proposed utilizing the worthwhile properties
from the prior design and omitting its negative features.
The Skyraider kept its weight down with advanced engineering and the use of light weight materials. A unique feature that saved a great deal
of weight was its weapons delivery system. It used propelled charges to launch bombs away from the aircraft.
When compared with the latest dive bombers of its day, the Skyraider had an 80 mph higher maximum speed and a 25% greater ordnance payload.
No single engine attack aircraft built was larger than the Skyraider. It flew the bulk of all ground support missions between 1959 and
1968. The Skyraider was the United States Navy's last propeller driven aircraft.
Skyraider during the Korean War.
Although larger single crew jet powered aircraft have since been built, when the Skyraider was first introduced, no single crew aircraft driven by a single engine was
larger. Its Wright R-3350 engine, producing some 2,800 h.p., gave the aircraft a low maintenance, reliable power plant, with the
ability to haul large ordnance loads.
The extensive combat experience of its predecessors ensured that the Skyraider would be able to absorb battle damage, deliver the widest
range of ordnance, and bring its pilot home safely.
The Skyraider has a total of fifteen hard points which enabled it to carry a large variety of weapons. The wings folded so that the
aircraft could be stored more easily aboard aircraft carriers.
Skyraider during the Vietnam War.
Throughout the twelve years Skyraider aircraft were produced, they continually received upgrades. They were built in some 22 different variants.
The AD-2 featured additional fuel capacity and an engine producing more power. The AD-3 had a canopy with increased visibility, a
propeller producing more torque, and a stronger under carriage. The AD-4W Skyraider carried a crew of three and featured an early-warning
radar. An AD-5 model had a crew of four and could be adapted for the transportation of up to twelve troops.
Skyraider with early warning pod.
Some 3,180 Skyraider aircraft were built. They entered service after WW II, but saw combat in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars where they
were invaluable. Their weapons load and endurance combined to far surpass all other aircraft of the time.
The French used the Skyraider in Algeria in the ground attack role through 1965. When the U.S. became involved in Vietnam, Skyraider
aircraft were often used against the most heavily armed enemy positions. In addition to attack, Skyraider aircraft were used for forward air
control, helicopter escort, and SAR. Vietnam Skyraider pilots are credited with the downing of two enemy jets.
While serving from just after World War II and well into the jet age, the Skyraider, a propeller driven aircraft, remained a highly valued
member of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines, plus the military of France, Great Britain, Chad, and a host of other allies.
You can find the rc Skyraider here.
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Skyraider
