Douglas AD-5W Skyraider

The Douglas AD‑5W Skyraider, later redesignated the A‑1W, was a carrier‑based, single‑engine attack aircraft that entered service in the late 1940s and remained operational through the Vietnam era. Developed from the piston‑powered AD‑1 Skyraider, the AD‑5W variant was specially equipped for airborne early‑warning (AEW) missions, carrying a large radome beneath its fuselage and a bulky AN/APS‑20 radar system. First delivered to the United States Navy in 1949, the type filled a critical gap before jet‑powered AEW platforms became available, providing long‑range detection of enemy aircraft and surface ships while operating from aircraft carriers and land bases.

Key features included a powerful Wright R‑3350 radial engine delivering 2,800 hp, a robust airframe capable of carrying up to 8,000 lb of ordnance, and a versatile cockpit equipped with advanced radar displays and communication gear for vectoring friendly fighters. Its endurance exceeded ten hours, allowing persistent surveillance over combat zones.

The AD‑5W’s significance lies in its demonstration that a prop‑driven platform could effectively perform complex electronic warfare roles, influencing the design of later dedicated AEW aircraft. Its service during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts highlighted the importance of carrier‑based early‑warning capabilities, cementing its legacy in naval aviation history.

Douglas

Douglas AD-5W Skyraider

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification