A-4 Skyhawk
The A-4 Skyhawk was a US carrier-based, ground-attack, jet aircraft which was deployed by US Navy and US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was designed by the American engineer Edward Heinemann and manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft company. The prototype, the XA4D-1, made its first flight on June 22, 1954, entering into service with the US Navy in 1956 as the A-4D Skyhawk. This versatile attack aircraft was produced until 1979, with a total of 2,960 units built, including 555 two-seat trainers.
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk had low-mounted delta wings, a single turbojet-engine in the rear fuselage, and a tricycle undercarriage. A-4C, A-4E, A-4F and A-4N Skyhawk variants were used in the Yom Kippur War (1973), and the Falklands War 1982.
Specifications
Engine: one Pratt & Whitney J52-P8A turbojet.
Maximum speed: 673 mph (1,077 km/h).
Range: 2,000 mi (3,220 km).
Service ceiling: 42,250 ft (12,880 m).
Crew: one (two in OA-4F, TA-4F, TA-4J)
Length: 40 ft 3 in (12.22 m)
Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
Armament: two 20mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannons; four LAU-10 rocket pods, each with four 127mm Mk 32 Zuni rockets. The A-4 Skyhawk could carry up to up to 9,900 lb (4,490 kg) of bomb under its fuselage.
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Video)
