Q&A · 1:07:31-1:14:25

What early Skyraiders would change in carrier warfare

Introducing the A-1 Skyraider in 1939 would increase American carrier strike weight, with retraining, interception and weapon-compatibility consequences.

Question

What if American Dauntless dive bombers and Avengers were replaced by A-1 Skyraiders in 1939?

Short answer

American carrier strikes would become much heavier and harder to intercept, but crews would need retraining and the aircraft would not supply the later technology required for its nuclear role.

Notes

The Skyraider is considered capable of operating from existing carriers, though the crews would need retraining for the unfamiliar aircraft and its single-seat layout. The comparison gives it a speed of 322 mph against the Zero's 331 mph, with a question about the effect of payload left open. Four 20 mm cannon and the ability to carry much heavier bombs would make it a formidable strike aircraft in the scenario. The answer corrects the premise by observing that Avengers were not yet around in 1939. A nuclear-capable aircraft would not itself give 1939 America nuclear weapons: that role depended on later miniaturization, while the early bombs would have been too large for it. Its sighting equipment also prompts comparison with the Norden bombsight, whose aircraft-control capability is acknowledged while its claimed bombing accuracy is criticized.