McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

1954

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McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

Designed originally to provide the US Navy and Marine Corps with a simple low-cost lightweight attack and ground support aircraft, the Skyhawk was based on experience gained during the Korean War. Since the initial requirement called for operation by the US Navy, special design consideration was given to providing low-speed control and stability during take-off and landing, added strength for catapult launch and arrested landings, and dimensions that would permit it to negotiate standard aircraft carrier lifts without the complexity of folding wings.

Construction of the XA-4A (originally XA4D-1) prototype Skyhawk began in September 1953 and the first flight of this aircraft, powered by a Wright J65-W-2 engine (32 kN), took place 22 June 1954. A total of 2,960 A-4 Skyhawks was built. The last one was built in 1979.

A4D-1 Skyhawk (1956)

Specification 
 CREW1
 ENGINE1 x P+W J-52-P-8A, 41.4kN
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight11110 kg24493 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan8.4 m28 ft 7 in
  Length12.6 m41 ft 4 in
  Height4.6 m15 ft 1 in
  Wing area24.2 m2260.49 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed1100 km/h684 mph
  Range w/max.fuel3200 km1988 miles
 ARMAMENT2 x 20mm machine-guns, bombs, missiles, torpedos

3-View 
McDonnell Douglas A-4 SkyhawkA three-view drawing (1000 x 474)

Comments1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100 101-120
Ken Langford, e-mail, 15.05.2008 03:04

I flew the A-4B,C,E,M and the TA-4F and J for over 2600 hours and the scooter was a great air to ground platform. Honest, realiable and trustworthy throughout it's combat history in SE Asia.

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Bear Langworthy, e-mail, 13.05.2008 16:52

agree that the A-4 should be listed under Douglas a /c.

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T Kapurch, e-mail, 12.05.2008 14:49

This would be more appropriately listed under Douglas A /C who developed it.

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Marv Garrison, e-mail, 02.04.2008 19:53

I was lucky enough to command two squadrons of Skyhawks and two Air Groups with A4's assigned. I flew in this order A4C, TA4F, A4B,A4A, A4L,A4E, A4f, A4M, and TA4J. I have one less landing than take-offs.

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