During World War II the Navy began looking for a new dive-bomber torpedo aircraft to meet its changing tactical and operational requirements. 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. For the next 12 years there was constant improvement in the airplane up through the AD-7, and 3,180 Skyraiders were delivered to the Navy, many of which were used during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War also. This plane was used constantly, and saw combat.
Informative facts probably needed to be known.
General characteristics A-1H
Primary function Attack aircraft, dive-bomber
Power plant One Wright R-3350-26WA engine
Thrust 2,700 HP 2,013 kW
Wingspan 50 ft 15.25 m
Length 38.85 ft 11.84 m
Height 15.7 ft 4.78 m
Wingarea 400.3 sq ft 37.193 sq m
Weight empty 11,970 lb 5,429 kg
max. 25,000 lb 11,340 kg
Speed max. 322 mph 518 km/h
cruising 240 mph 386 km/h
Ceiling 28,500 ft 8,685 m
Range 1,315 miles 2,116 km
Armament 4x 20mm cannon, up to 3,630 kg external weapons
Crew One
First flight March 18, 1945
Date deployed 1945
Number built 3,180
It is a good plane. Just a small question. Do we need it? It is faster than the other Douglas we have which had problems with balancing weight during the war. Do you want it? It goes 322mph max, 25,000lb max weight, 11,970lb without anything loaded. This seemed more like a good thread to me. FINALLY...
