In pursuit of power, the Skyraider prototype with active-jet projectiles AERO X10A.

History create
The Skyraider aircraft is being developed at the beginning of the 40-ies to replace the outdated deck aircraft of a reconnaissance dive bomber SBD "Donfess". The Naval Department traditionally announces a competition for which the aircraft manufacturer Douglas presented an experimental model XSB2D Destroyer. On the basis of the technical specifications, the deck aircraft from the Douglas had the following characteristics:
- crew - 2 person;
- payload - 1.5 tons;
- propulsion system - 1 engine;
- chassis - 3 racks, with a nose wheel;
- armament: 5 machine guns, 2 in the wing, 3 in the mobile type turret.

In the course of testing, the United States Navy changes the terms of reference - the fleet need a torpedo bomber aircraft in a single execution. Douglas instantly responded to the new requirements and introduced the required aircraft with the new name “XBTD-1”. However, in mid-1944, the creation of Destroyer was curtailed, and the company was on the verge of losing a promising order. But the company finds strength in itself and in a short time introduced a new project of the XBT2D-1 torpedo bomber. The fleet liked the project, and he orders 15 copies of the “XBT2D-1” for testing. The competition for the creation of a deck aircraft was in full swing. In addition to Douglas, Curtiss, Martin, Boeing and Kaiser Fleetings presented their projects. To ensure victory in the competition, “Douglas” begins to fight with the “overweight” aircraft. As a result, the aircraft received the following characteristics:
- weight 5.7 tons;
- engine "Zilon-18" in 2500 hp, on prototypes stood "R3350-8" in 2300 hp;
- fuel tank 1.3 tons, with the possibility of installing an additional tank in 570 liters;
- three pylons for the suspension of torpedo-bombs, two wings and one fuselage;
- two built-in 20 mm gun in the wing;
- armored cabin;
- folding wings and retractable landing gear.

The first XBT2D-1 Dontless-II made its first flight in mid-March 1945. During the month passed factory tests. The aircraft was declared ready for transfer to the customer for testing. At the beginning of April, XBT2D-1 is transferred to the testing center of the sea. The aircraft was declared fit for production, and in May 1945, the naval department concluded a contract for the mass production of a decked torpedo bomber of almost 600 units. The end of 2МВ reduced the order of aircraft - now they needed no more than 300 units.

The company "Douglas" decided not to stop at the achieved result and began to look for other versions of the aircraft. In addition to the torpedo bomber, the following versions of the aircraft were executed:
- photo reconnaissance;
- EW aircraft;
- night bomber;
- aircraft DROiP;

At the beginning of 1946, the basic version of the aircraft receives the name "Skyraider" and the designation "AD". AD Skyraider features:
- engine "Zilon-18";
- flight speed 574 km / h;
- take-off weight up to 6.15 tons;
- range to 2.5 thousands of kilometers;
- additional armament: NURS caliber 127-mm "Holly Moses", placed on the 12-ti pylons of the wing, on which it was possible, if necessary, to hang an additional bomb load.

AD Skyraider No. 09094 with AERO X10A
Since the NURS suspension on the pylons caused a noticeable increase in vibration and resistance, the designers of Douglas decided to try to get rid of these troubles by installing the NURS in the wing design. Another reason why they worked on the installation of NURS was the growth of body armor in ground-based equipment and surface ships. Instead of the standard large-caliber guns, two launchers with tubular guides for the NURS AERO X10A, with 38 ammunition of active-jet projectiles, are installed in the wing design. The entire ammunition NURS in the number of 38 units, mass in 380 kilogram (one NURS - 10 kilogram) could be used for 6-7 seconds. All launcher - 73 kilogram.

Each launcher accounted for 19 NURS, which in a second fired approximately 3 rocket-projectile, which in flight stabilized from rotation. Gases from the launchers went through the special channels back and down. The aircraft with the "AERO X10A" passed successful tests at the marine art station in Ainikörn.

But the United States Naval Authority, in the end, did not approve this version of the aircraft. First, the customer did not want to sacrifice large-caliber guns. Secondly, in order to effectively apply the launchers, the pilots would have to approach the target at a distance of one kilometer, which did not suit either the officials or the pilots. Therefore, further work on this version of the aircraft is stopped, and by the summer of XXUMX, the project was completely closed.

Information sources:
http://alternathistory.org.ua/tankam-na-zavist-ili-127mm-pushka-na-samolete
http://www.dogswar.ru/voennaia-aviaciia/samolety/5506-shtyrmovik-ad-1-skyr.html
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/aww2/ad1.html
media = http: //www.youtube.com/watch? v = f5kNlb0prOE

Comments

[snek]

Not a bad car, which was "late" for the war.

[Vadivak]

Quote: snek

Not a bad car, which was "late" for the war.

"Skyrader" modifications AD-2 and AD-3 was actively used as part of the strike forces of carrier-based and marine corps in Korea

At the end of the 40s, by order of the Navy, a variant of the Skyraider attack aircraft was developed with the designation AD-4B for the transportation and use of nuclear weapons - a tactical nuclear bomb of the Mk.7 or Mk.8 type. Serial production of the Mk.7 with a capacity of 1 Kt began in 1952 - for the first time in history, the dimensions and weight of the bomb made it possible to deliver it by tactical aircraft. One bomb and two outboard fuel tanks of 1136 liters each were considered a typical load for an "atomic" attack aircraft.


In 1959, to suppress the uprising in Algeria, the United States delivered a batch of Skyraider aircraft to the French Air Force - 93 AD-4NA and AD-4N attack aircraft. In February 1960, these machines were first equipped with the second, and then the first and third squadrons of the 20th Air Force squadron of France. Before being sent to Algeria, the AD-4N attack aircraft finalized according to the AD-4NA standard and installed additional equipment on all aircraft for the use of French suspended weapons on them. In Algeria, attack aircraft were used quite successfully, but several vehicles were still shot down.

The large, slow and manoeuvrable attack aircraft A-1 Skyraider turned out to be an ideal counterguerrilla aircraft. They were used by the Air Force of South Vietnam, the Air Force and the United States Navy.

So he spoiled the blood of our allies in due time

[snek]

Meant 2nd world. I know about use in Korea, but then the era of reactive aviation was already beginning.

[Vadivak]

Quote: snek

Meant 2nd World

Then it is understandable, but there he would have immediately received a kerdyk, in terms of booking, the "skyrader" could not be compared with our "flying tanks", purely anti-guerrilla vehicles, which is indicated by the absence of defensive weapons. In the top picture, as you understand, not "Skyrader"

[Kibb]

Quote: Vadivak

pure counterinsurgency machines

Typhoons and Tempestas worked beautifully on the European theater, and no kirdyk

Quote: Vadivak

a purely counter-guerrilla machine., this indicates a lack of defensive weapons

As practice has shown, no defensive weapons can save without fighter cover - they had enough fighters, as well as ours, so the defensive point on IL10 was made rather by inertia

[Zynaps]

Quote: Kibb

As practice has shown, no defensive weapons can save without fighter cover

that's for sure. 15 years ago I talked with one grandfather - a radio operator-gunner with IL-2.
only two people survived from their release - he and another shooter, who was somewhat less fortunate - lost both legs above the knee.

and on the other hand, statistics on the VIF showed that among experienced crews of our attack aircraft, five to six German planes were considered to have been shot down in an air battle, sometimes more. so, apparently, the benefit of the tail gun was still.

[Kibb]

Quote: Zynaps

so, apparently, the benefit of the tail gun was still.

Well, of course there was, but there is a choice so either put the machine gun, or improve the characteristics of the aircraft. If for the initial period of the war, and up to the conquest of air superiority, UBT was a matter of survival, then in 44-45 it was rather a "weapon of the last chance"

Quote: Zynaps

what experienced crews of our attack aircraft

Someone is always the best, but the war was won by the average pilot, tanker, and so on ...
Threat Link kint if there is a topic in WiF, pliz. I have not seen her and the search does not give a result ...

[Zynaps]

Quote: Kibb

Link kinte if there is a topic in ViF, pliz. I have not seen her and the search does not give a result ...

I’ll look, it's just a painfully old thing. 10 years ago it was, it struck into memory.

[755962]

Quote: snek

Good car

A-1 earned love and respect among the pilots, as evidenced by the many nicknames given to him: "Recession" (Spad, in honor of the plane of the First World War), "Sandy" (Sandy, radio call sign during the Vietnam War), "Smart Dog" (Able Dog, unofficial transcript of the acronym AD), "Crazy Water Buffalo" (Crazy Water Buffalo, nickname in the Air Force of South Vietnam) and at least a dozen others. Pilots of the Royal Navy of Great Britain composed the song “Skyrader - Take Off!” Dedicated to A-1

[Vadivak]

Quote: Kibb

Typhoons and Tempestas worked beautifully on the European theater, and no kirdyk

Are they talking about?

Quote: Kibb

as practice has shown, no defensive weapons can save without fighter cover -

You can't argue, however, with the appearance of two-seater Ilovs at the front, Luftwaffe fighters tried to make approaches to attack attack aircraft from below to the tail or from below from the sides, if, of course, the height allowed,

[Kibb]

Quote: Vadivak

Are they talking about?

The point is that they were not armored, but they survived, although Sky is larger and less agile, but even so ...

Quote: Vadivak

make approaches for attacking attack aircraft from below in the tail or from below from the sides, if, of course, the height allowed,

Also, no arguing, all the more so since the altitude usually did not allow, but nonetheless the pilot usually experienced his gunner, and not one.
A single-seat IL would have obvious advantages over a double one, and we covered the attack machines well and there were enough fighters in 44-45

[Vadivak]

Quote: Kibb

It's about not being armored, but survived,

Igor, it’s nice to discuss with you, but you must agree, who is more priority when attacking convoys - an armored attack aircraft or a fighter-bomber, which is the Typhoon?

[Kibb]

I don’t know, I confess I have a double attitude towards the ILs, on the one hand, "Black Death" and "Humpbacked" pulled the war on himself, therefore "Humpbacked", on the other hand, there are large losses in the number of sorties despite the armor (more only for torpedo bombers) , weak flight data (IL2), a small combat load (although it seems to be enough for its tasks, it narrows their circle (tasks), another question is that without armor it would be very difficult, and on IL the light did not converge like a wedge, it is possible that Su6, would be more effective
What, IB is concerned here, too, everything is ambiguous, the fighter is not very bomber and so-so (I brought them even so due to lack of armor, and not in comparison with attack aircraft.

[Dust]

I doubt that any other plane could live longer in the conditions in which Ilya fought!

[Vadivak]

Quote: Kibb

Humpback "pulled the war on himself, therefore" Humpback ", on the other hand, large losses in the number of sorties despite the armor (

About the losses. Igor, well, couldn’t be any different in our attack aircraft. Even at the end of the war. If you are interested, read

Hero of the Soviet Union Grigory Maksimovich Ryabushko gives a very interesting example showing that the Nazis were afraid of "silts" in a special way, stronger than other Soviet aircraft. It turned out that in response to the numerous questions of the Wehrmacht soldiers on the same topic - “What kind of animals do the Russians fly on attack aircraft? There is no escape from them! They walk over their heads! " - German “political instructors” explained that “Russian pilots flying on attack aircraft are so fierce and fearless because they are suicide bombers. They have nothing to lose, they were sentenced to fly in attack aircraft. Such bastards fly on attack aircraft among the Russians, such a rabble, which in any normal army, like the German, would have been shot long ago, and the barbarians-Russians condemn them to fly on attack aircraft. And such inveterate thugs fly on "silts" who do not even regret their lives, only there was an opportunity to kill someone. And in between flights, so that these bastards do not run away and again do not commit some atrocity, the Russian command allows them to shoot German prisoners of war. So to speak, take away the soul and get pleasure "

The most interesting thing is that Ryabushko heard this directly from the captured Germans themselves, with whom a group of Soviet attack pilots (including him) decided to just talk, as a convoy of prisoners was held past their airfield, where Il-2s were not masked. And as soon as our pilots persuaded the convoys to give them a couple of minutes just to talk with the prisoners, those who saw that Il - 2 were standing at the airport, literally in tears began to beg not to shoot them. Having taken an interest in such behavior of the prisoners, the pilots found out through the translator what was already said above. And to the question “Why did you get the idea that we are suicide bombers?”, The prisoners answered very simply - they say, “a normal person who at least somehow saves his life, will not fly as Russian attack aircraft do. So attack, desperately and ruthlessly, from an extremely small height and do not give a damn about anti-aircraft fire, can only suicide bombers, who already have nothing to lose. And it’s not only not a shame to be afraid of such a normal person, but it’s kind of even obligatory ”

The Germans as athletes conquered the world, and our grandfathers fought for their homeland

[Kibb]

Quote: Vadivak

The Germans as athletes conquered the world, and our grandfathers fought for their homeland

Absolutely agree!!!

Quote: Vadivak

Hero of the Soviet Union Grigory Maksimovich Ryabushko

I read, thanks anyway, but this does not apply to the performance characteristics of the aircraft

[Gamdlislyam]

Kibb
I read, thanks anyway, but this does not apply to the performance characteristics of the aircraft

For IL-2, TTXs were acceptable. At IL-10, the speed increased 100 km / h, but the pilots noted that the combat effectiveness decreased.

[bazilio]

I think that this is a real anti-partisan plane. Without armor, you won’t be able to fight against anti-aircraft guns. Although everything will depend on the tactics of application and specific conditions. I wonder what its value was, since in the end the Second World War was a war of attrition, in which price became one of the main aspects

[Kibb]

Quote: bazilio

I think that this is a real anti-partisan plane.

This is a deck attack aircraft, and it was created just for this, its anti-partisan properties were revealed later, in the era of jet aircraft

Quote: bazilio

I wonder what was its value

I think it’s relatively expensive for a single-engine piston aircraft, but the Americans didn’t really soar — they had another war.

[Gamdlislyam]

Already the Korean war showed that where the strong air defense "Skyraders" suffered losses, and therefore they began to be used in Korea only where the resistance was weak.
In Vietnam, they were used, because it required a counterguerrilla aircraft with a low patrol speed and capable of a long time in the air. There were plenty of Skyraders at the storage bases, so they were re-opened and sent to war. True, there they did not show themselves very well, and therefore quickly left the stage.

[Kibb]

"During the hostilities, from June 25, 1951 to July 27, 1953, anti-aircraft artillery formations shot down 153 enemy aircraft (according to some sources, anti-aircraft gunners shot down 212 aircraft). This is due to the fact that many of the downed enemy aircraft fell into the Gulf of Korea and there is still no material evidence on them, and, in view of this, the issue of crediting the anti-aircraft units of these aircraft to the combat account has not yet been finally decided by the corps command.During the period of hostilities, two anti-aircraft searchlight regiments and four anti-aircraft artillery divisions (87th , 92nd, 28th and 35th Zenads) or ten anti-aircraft artillery regiments. The number of aircraft shot down by type:

• F-86-30 - 5 units;

• F-86-35 units;

• F-84 - 25 units;

• F-80 - 47 units;

• F-51 - 5 units;

• B-26 - 17 units;

• B-29 - 7 units;

• others - 12 units. "
Where is the skyrader here? Is that among the other 12?
There are no data on Korean and Chinese air defense, but I think that the same picture will be

Il10
"One destroyed South Korean airfield, with 9 (or 7) burnt Texans and one Dakkota (or 2 DS-3) and almost complete death at airfields under the R-51 and R-80 assault raids (according to American revised data (well, if that is not much) 68 were destroyed on the ground and 5-7 in the air. and the high losses of Mustangs in operations to neutralize them FROM RIFLE fire led to the creation of the AU Corsair and the modernization of the Skyraider, which became full-fledged armored assault aircraft "

[vylvyn]

The engines of the Americans were good, powerful.