Douglas AD Skyraider

Douglas · United States · first flew 1945 · bomber

The Douglas AD (A-1) Skyraider was a carrier-based single-engine piston attack aircraft notable for its exceptional payload capacity, range, and durability. Despite being propeller-driven it remained in frontline US service through the Vietnam War era.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.84 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Single massive Wright R-3350 radial engine
Straight wing with prominent pylons for heavy external loads
Gull-wing dihedral inboard with flat outer panels

The large single radial engine, big low straight wing, and large tail fin are distinctive. The profusion of external stores stations along the wing and fuselage underscores its attack role.

Specifications

The Douglas AD Skyraider has a length of 11.84 m (39 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.25 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 518 km/h (322 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed too late for World War II, the Skyraider became one of the most capable attack aircraft of the Korean War, flying close air support and interdiction missions. It was reactivated for Vietnam where its endurance and heavy ordnance load made it invaluable for armed reconnaissance and rescue escort.

Variants

Variants included single-seat AD-1 through AD-7 attack models, the AD-5 (A-1E) two-seat side-by-side multi-role version, and specialised ECM, early-warning, and ASW variants.

Where you'll see it

Served with the US Navy, US Air Force, and was exported to France (used in Algeria and Vietnam) and South Vietnam; the type is preserved at several US naval aviation museums.

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