MCARA Aircraft > AD-5N
Pictured above is a VMCJ-2 AD-5N with an AD-5W “Guppy” AEW aircraft in trail. The AD-5N featured a significantly widened and extended cockpit area to accommodate the pilot and ECMO in front and the radar operator in the rear. (Other AD-5 variants had two operator positions in the rear cockpit).
The AD-5N entered service with the VMC squadrons in 1955 and was phased out by VMC-1 at MCAS El Toro in 1958 before it merged with VMJ-1 to become VMCJ-1. Prior to 1958 the AD-5N was also flown by VMCJ-2 at MCAS Cherry Pt. and VMCJ-3 at MCAS El Toro, CA. before they transitioned to the F3D-2Q jet aircraft.
Specifications:
Engine: One Wright R-3350-26WA Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, rated at 2700 hp for takeoff and 2100 hp at 14,500 feet.
Performance: Maximum speed 322 mph at 15,100 feet, 303 mph at sea level. Cruising speed 190 mph. 24,500 feet service ceiling. Initial climb rate 2580 feet/min. Combat range 660 miles with 1100 lbs of bombs, 547 miles with 2700 pounds of bombs.
Weights: 12,100 pounds empty, 20,500 pounds gross, 25,000 pounds maximum.
Dimensions: Wingspan 50 feet 0 1/4 inches, length 40 feet, height 13 feet 9 inches, wing area 400.33 square feet.
Armament: Four 20-mm cannon in the wing.
