Planes of Fame Air Museum
 
Planes of Fame Air Museum
 
Home »  Collection »  Flying & Static Aircraft »  Douglas AD-4N 'Skyraider'

HISTORY

  • The Douglas Skyraider was designed in 1944 by Ed Heinemann to replace the TBF Avenger and the SB2C Helldiver. The Skyraider was the last piston-powered attack aircraft used by both the U.S. Navy and Air Force. It was built in 28 different versions but is most remembered for its superlative work as a close support aircraft during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
  • The prototype first flew on 18 March 1945. It featured simplified flight systems, dive brakes on the fuselage, and the replacement of a bomb bay with wing hardpoints that carried a substantial ordnance load. The AD-1 did not see combat during WW II but its relatively inexpensive cost and outstanding performance resulted in orders for 500 aircraft by 1948.
  • The AD-4 high-altitude version emerged in 1949. The increasing need for ground attack aircraft during the Korean War resulted in 100 AD-4Ns being retrofitted for attack roles. The resulting AD-4NA was an outstanding ground support and interdiction aircraft. The final Skyraider rolled off the assembly line in February 1957. A total of 3,180 aircraft were built and were used by all branches of the U.S. military plus the governments of France, Sweden, and South Vietnam.
  • The museum's aircraft was ordered in 1948 (construction no. 7797) and delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1950 as AD-4N, Bureau No.126997. It was converted to an AD-4NA in 1951-52. The aircraft was purchased by France in 1961. It was sold as surplus by France and returned to the U.S. in 1977.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Status: Flyable
Manufacturer: Douglas
Year: 1950
Model: AD-4N Skyraider
Registration Number: NX409Z
Serial Number: 126997
Crew: 1
Max T/O Weight: 24,000 lbs.
Span: 50 ft. 0 in.
Length: 38 ft. 2 in.
Height: 12 ft. 0 in.
Maximum Speed: 350 mph
Cruise Speed: 200 mph
Rate of Climb: 2,880 ft/min
Power Plant: 1 × Wright R-3350-26W Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder radial engine, 2,700 hp.
Range: 900 miles
Service Ceiling: 23,500 ft.
Armament: Four 20-mm cannon and fifteen hard points for up to 9,900 lbs of ordinance

 

BECOME A MEMBER
By becoming a member, you help us to preserve and educate aviation history for generations to come.
Membership ›
2
Nov
Hangar Talk - Featuring the Flying Demo of the Lockheed P-38J Lightning
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo of the Lockheed P-38J Lightning - Learn more »
5
Nov
Kilroy Coffee Klatch
Kilroy Coffee Klatch - Learn more »
23
Nov
Taste of Flight 2024
Taste of Flight 2024 - Learn more »
3
Dec
Kilroy Coffee Klatch
Kilroy Coffee Klatch - Learn more »
7
Dec
Hangar Talk - Featuring the Flying Demo of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero - Learn more »
Sign Up to Stay in Touch
Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, Museum happenings, and new additions to our collection.
Enter First Name
Enter Last Name
Enter Email AddressEnter correct Email Address