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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Douglas Skyraider handling qualities?

Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:44 pm

I've heard it said that the AD "handles like a fighter" despite its dump-truck looks. Can anybody out there who has actual Spad time confirm or deny? (I'm doing a piece for Aviation History on the biggest-ever single-engine airplanes. You might be surprised that the Skyraider is fifth on the list of the top 10...)

Re: Douglas Skyraider handling qualities?

Sat Aug 27, 2011 8:15 pm

Hi Stephan, It would depend on what model of Skyraider and what it's carrying. Our AD-1 does not have hydraulic boosted flight controls, so it's a bit heavy on the controls. Ordnance also has a huge effect as we lost almost 40 knots of cruise speed with it loaded up. I'm not a Skyraider pilot, but have speken with Stuart Milson who has flown ours clean and dirtied up.
David
WHF Maint
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