A2D Skyshark: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Douglas A2D Skyshark was a turboprop-powered attack aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company for the United States Navy. Work started in 1945, at which time the Navy did not have faith in jet-powered aircraft for carrier-based service. The first flight was in 1950. The Skyshark began as a turboprop version of the AD Skyraider, but eventually was an entirely different airplane. Due largely to the failure of the Allison T40 program to produce a reliable engine, the Skyshark never entered operational service. During one notable test flight, the XA2D's propellers flew free of the spinner. The test pilot managed to land his aircraft despite having no propulsive force.

Twelve Skysharks were built. Most were scrapped or destroyed in accidents, and only one is believed to have survived. One was sighted at the airport at Idaho Falls, Idaho, in September of 2006, and appeared to be in airworthy condition.

Specifications (XA2D-1)

Data from Encyclopedia of American Aircraft^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 41 ft 3 in (12.58 m)
• Wingspan: 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m)
• Height: 17 ft 1 in (3.68 m)
• Wing area: 400 ft² (37 m²)
• Empty weight: 12,900 lb (5,864 kg)
• Loaded weight: 18,700 lb (8,500 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 22,960 lb (10,436 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Allison XT-40-A-2 turboprop, 5,100 shp (3,800 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 435 knots (501 mph, 813 km/h)
• Range: 1,900 nm (2,200 mi, 3,520 km)
• Service ceiling: 48,100 ft (14,664 m)
• Rate of climb: 7,290 ft/min (37 m/s)
• Wing loading: 47 lb/ft² (230 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.27 hp/lb (440 W/kg)

Armament

• Guns: 4× 20 mm (0.787 in) T31 cannon
• Other: up to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) on 3 external hardpoints

Notes

1. ↑ Baugher, Joe (2001-10-24). Douglas XA2D-1 Skyshark. Encyclopedia of American Aircraft.

Related content

Comparable aircraft

• Westland Wyvern

Related lists

• List of attack aircraft
• List of military aircraft of the United States