The Douglas Skyraider was designed by Ed Heinemann during WWII as a high performance dive/torpedo bomber which was carrier-based.
The aircraft was designed around the Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engine and had large straight wings which were low slung and had seven hard points per wing.
The aircraft was armoured against ground fire optimising it as a ground attack aircraft.
During evaluation of the XBT2D-1, it was discovered that for every 100 lb (45kg) of weight saving the take-off run was reduced by 8 ft. (2.4m) and the combat radius was increased by some 22 miles (35 km).
Heinemann recognised the importance of this and prioritised weight saving in the design and by not having a bomb bay but hanging ordinance from the wings or fuselage and other modifications, the design team managed to save more than 1,800 lb (820 kg) of weight from the original design.
In April 1945 prototype aircraft, designated XBT2D-1, were evaluated by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Test Centre (NATC).
The first production aircraft were delivered to VA-19A in December 1946 designated AD-1.
PRODUCTION
The Douglas Skyraider was produced between 1945 and 1957 with some 3,180 built.
ENGINE
Wright R-3350-26W or R-3350-26WB.
Press play to hear the Skyraider
ARMAMENT
4 x 20mm cannon
8,000 lb (3,630 kg) ordinance.
The Douglas Skyraider was operated by the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force. It remained in U.S. service until the early 1970s.o
Service was also with the British Royal Navy, the French Air Force and the Vietnam Air Force amongst others.
For service in Vietnam, The Skyraider was fitted with a Stanley Yankee extraction unit, similar to an ejector seat, operated by twin rockets.
