Roger Chamberlin, e-mail, 08.03.2025 16:11 VA-122 SEPT 1966-SEPT 1968 VA-113 SEPT 1968-DEC-1969--I was an A-7A/B guy from day one when VA-122 received the first two at Lemoore NAS. And one of those landed(out of sight from the reviewing stands) with a smashed ray dome(bird-strike) Lots of TDA's to MCAS Yuma, then NAF Fallon and any boat down at North Island. Those first two years were interesting. Joined VA-113 in SEPT 1968 and then early in 1969 the squadron was moved to Cecil Field and in July off on a Med cruise on the Saratoga. I guess there is still some A-7 floating in my blood.

Anonymous, 23.01.2024 13:43 My dad was one of the first pilots to test the ‘ball’. A-7. He described their fuel running out. The command was to keep trying, regardless of fuel remaining. He cheated and landed by visual means. Only told his best friend. It would be a court martial offense to disobey a direct order. Must have been late 60’s. Why I know the term.. the ball.

Peter La Cavalla, e-mail, 20.12.2023 20:24 Worked on A-7’s in Lemoore too. 1982-1988 in several commands. NAMTRA Instructor, VA-147, AIMD, NAS Lemoore OPDET, Kittyhawk, Carl Vinson

Phil Butler, e-mail, 30.01.2018 06:50 I was an Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AO2) attached to VA-56 which was getting ready for its first Westpac Cruise. They had just transitioned from the A-4 to the A-7A and were going through carrier quals off the coast of California in the fall of 1969. My release from active duty date was 10 October '69, but I was a carrier rookie, never having any sea duty to that point. Several times I was chewed out on the flight deck by grizzly old chiefs who noticed I was a 2nd class AO, but didn't seem to have a clue about flight procedures or drills. They were absolutely correct! At first I didn't have a clue! One of my good buddies in VA-56 was chuck Ingram, another AO2 who was a flight deck veteran of several cruises. I tried my best to keep very close to Chuck at all times. Thanks, Chuck, wherever you are! The A-7A was a radically different aircraft from the A-4, and took a lot of heat because it was not a pretty aircraft in looks, but it really performed its tasks well, especially being an "A" model and having its share of "bugs" to be corrected in later variants. We learned very quickly to steer clear of that monstrous yawning engine intake and got very proficient at dodging all those pylons hanging from the wings. I've always loved airplanes and have a very detailed 1:32 scale model of the A-7A hanging from my basement ceiling as well as a model I hand-carved from Butternut wood. Anybody out there from VA-56, drop me a line on e-mail!

Russell F McCoy, e-mail, 29.08.2017 23:03 Stationed at NAS Cecil Field with VA-64 in OCT 1967 & had just returned from a MED deployment aborad the USS America CVA-66. We were an A-4 Squadron & I was assigned TAD to the AIMD engine shop for the base. Cecil had the first A-7 RAG squadron on the east coast (I Think). Anyway the first A-7 I know of had a Hyd failure & couldn"t bring his nose gear down (so the news was traveling fast about an A-7 in trouble) so everyone in the engine shop headed out to the tarmac to watch it come in. The pilot did a hell of a job bringing it in. Held the nose up forever & did't FOD the engine and just a little skin damage to the intake. As far as we could find out it was the time the nose gear had failed on an A-7. Discharged in November.

Rick (Lurch) Murchison, e-mail, 19.02.2017 06:03 If they'd let me fly the A7 again I'd pay to do it!

Joe Peterman AE-1, e-mail, 24.02.2015 09:29 I worked on the A7's from 1966 -1978 out of Lemoore california. The best airplane i have ever worked on.

ERAVAHFARCHIVE, e-mail, 12.02.2015 02:07 Had the great pleasure of working A-7 enginering projects from the initial proposal (VAL) to the final design, the YA-7F. still the best "soldier helper" in aviation history. A-7 programs had the best leader in the airplane business named Sol Love. A-7 was the best bargain the US Taxpayer ever enjoyed in a weapons system.

Charles Moore, e-mail, 07.02.2015 03:44 The A-7, models A, B, C and D were years ahead of their time in its armament delivery, and arriving at their destination accuracy because of the Short Range Boresight System that was developed in the Oprical Lab where I worked at LTV Aerospace.

P.R. Bullington, e-mail, 11.02.2014 20:31 I was an AME-3 in VA-105 Gunslingers from late 1963 until re-enlistment. After returning from the 1973 WESTPAC, we transitioned from the A-7A to the A-7E. While with the A-7E, we only had one incident. Our ship, the Saratoga was in the yards when we started work-ups for the Med. We started at Mayport and one of the planes had a flame out on take off. Next, we had to go to the Carib. aboard the Lexington CVT-16. Most of the ship's company flight deck crew had only worked with trainers and never a combat airwing. It was scary to say the least. I found myself jumping into the cat walks twice. While one of our planes was on the #1 cat, blue shirt went around the nose wheel while removing the chains. He was picked up feet first by the intake. The only thing that saved him was that his vest got caught on the launch bar. I loved the plane, loved the squadron.

Tim Loker, e-mail, 07.01.2014 18:05 I was an apprentice at Marconi Elliott Rochester Airport facility and one of my jobs was fault finding on the HUD computer and then calibration of the HUD projector unit. After the TSR2 the A7 is my favourite aircraft.

Larry Price, e-mail, 26.12.2013 23:40 Enjoyed flying the A7B & E from several carriers(Coral Sea, Kitty Hawk(VA-192),Midway & Ranger(VA-93),Oriskany & Roosevelt(VA-153), Constellation(VA-146),and Lexington. Found the aircraft to be very reliable at sea and ashore. Logged in more than 3500 A7 hrs with over 1000 traps. The aircraft could have used more power when carrying heavy ordnance loads and making carrier landings.

Steve Harvey, e-mail, 18.11.2013 19:34 A-7B plane captain at Service Test, NAS Pax River. Had a British exchange test pilot take his first flight in an A-7. Over the Bay, at 42K ft. and 40 miles out he lost his engine. He called a mayday and tried to restart the engine twice. He was told by the tower to punch out several times but he refused. He managed to get the aircraft to the runway and catch a wire. I had to go out with a tow tractor and bring her back to our hanger. The Navy didn't know if they should give him a metal or a court marshal. We plane captains and the metal smith shop folks fashioned a large set of nuts and presented to him before he transferred back to England. Great stuff! Anyone else remember the incident?

Ernie Brodeur, e-mail, 20.10.2013 00:35 I was in VA 174 from 1976 - 1979 and worked on the A7E . It was an awesome aircraft. We trained a lot of pilots on the USS Lexington (CV-16) in the Gulf of Mexico. Does anyone know of a place to get VA174 or USS Lexington memorabilia?

Frederick Mullis, e-mail, 23.01.2013 23:16 I was an A-7E BB Stacker for the World Famous VA-82 Marauders, and to correct your data, No A7 either A,B,C,D or Bloody E ever had 4 20MM cannons. The A, B C models had two Mk-12 20MM cannons and the D and E had the M61A1 Vulcan. The F-8 Crusader had 4 20MM cannons but those were reduced on the redesign to produce the A7. The eight external racks six on the wings and two Sidewinder rails on the fuselage allowed the bird to carry over her weight (20,000 pounds) in external stores. It was one of the first combat aircraft to feature a head-up display (HUD), an inertial navigation system (INS), and a turbofan engine.

Lauren Estwood, e-mail, 01.12.2012 17:05 Worked on the A-7D at Korat RTAFB, Thailand 71 while TDY to the 388th TFW wing hysrulic shop. The D's we had were from Shaw AFB in South Carolina. The swivels were different than the F-4D's.

Larry P Williams, e-mail, 06.10.2012 18:07 Please help me.. While hiking in the mountains of southern Nevada, I found the site of impact, where a pilot still in his ejection seat struck the ground. After 35 years there is still a 3 foot crater. I recovered a parachute inspection log which was last inspected in May 1977 and belonged to an A7d 68-8229 c/n 015. From the 152nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron Arizona Air National Guard. This plane is suppose to be on display at a AZ Airbase but repainted as 71-0358. I smell COVER -UP.

Weasel Treis, e-mail, 30.09.2012 14:04 4 cannon? They must be counting the 2 in my survival vest.

Butch Werle, e-mail, 30.04.2012 01:05 I was an AE2 with VA-25. We flew out of Lemoore NAS attached to the Ranger for the WestPac tour 70-71. Fun plan to work on. Greatest thrill was taking it out to then end of the runway for a High Power turn-up.

Darcy Jacobson Hainz, e-mail, 01.03.2012 05:23 I am oldest daughter of Jake Jacobson. He has passed and I am searching for Navy family. SOS. Please e-mail me, as I was raised right. No facebook. SOS, no other family left. INTRUDE.

Darcy Jacobson Hainz, e-mail, 01.03.2012 05:17 I am seeking those individuals, willing to come forth, of course. My father's name is Herbert (Jake) Jacobson. He was in Viet Nam, and on other ships, namely, Corsair. We ( I am his oldest daughter, Darcy) spent time abroad. He passed of cancer and I am desperate to know what I can. Wore the t-shirt 'til the wheels fell off. Does anyone remember the slogan? WTF has happened? I refuse to believe the wheels have gone...too many people caught the ball and there are too many stories that have passed. Hey, no slack in light attack... anyone else?!

Steve Engelhardt, e-mail, 18.01.2012 21:01 After getting out of the Army, LTV hired me to write technical manuals on the A7D and E models. I specialized in the Air Data Computer and its test set. I also worked on the HUD and a couple of radars. My favorite moment was seeing 6 Air Force officers, who were A7 qualifed pilots come into the simulator and try landings on a carrier. The old Navy chief had the carrier simulator with the ship underway and a lot of pitch and roll and night time conditions. None of the Air Force guys even hit the deck. Pretty funny.

GARY BEDINGER, 16.01.2012 08:04 THIS IS MY FAVORITE JET.I WAS ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE U.S.NAVY FROM 20 JULY 1988 UNTIL 19 JULY 1991.I WAS INVOLVED IN "OPERATION DESERT SHIELD".I SAW TWO A-7Es FLY RIGHT OVER THE MAST AND YARD ARMS OF THE USS JOUETT CG-29 WHILE STEAMING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.THE A-7 WAS NOT DESIGNED TO WIN A BEAUTY CONTEST,BUT IT WAS ACCURATE AS AN ATTACK JET OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE AND U.S NAVY.TOTALLY COOL JET!!!!!!

Lewis Godfrey, e-mail, 19.08.2011 22:33 Worked the Air Force version, the A-7D, back in late 1977 at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. We were converting from the A-7 to the new A-10A's. It was my very first operational aircraft to work on. Ours were old war horses from the Vietnam War and had lots of wear and tear on them. We ended up transferring them to the Air National Guard units of Arizona, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

Gardner Davis, e-mail, 20.07.2011 18:00 You missed a lot. First aircraft with a HUD and/or a moving map. Also the LANA (Low Altitude Night Attack) version for the ANG. If we still depended on precision dumb bombs, tha ancient A-7 might still be in service.

Russ Rajani, e-mail, 10.07.2011 22:02 Xmas day'69 whild attached to VA-56 on USS Ranger. 2nd mission of the day going back into Cambodia. Quickly consumed a "slider" and some hot coffee prior to briefing. A-7B BUNO 154517 was my steed and was loaded with fuel and ordinance. Max cat shot off #4 waist cat. Engine runup all checked fine and saluted. Cat fired, MATR CAUT lite illuminated as

Jeff Schirle ASE2, e-mail, 26.05.2011 00:29 I was with VA-113 "Stingers" in 1970-71 out of NAS Lemoore and a WESPAC on the USS Ranger CVA-61. I was a ground support tech, but on the cruise I was transferred to the Ordnance department as all ground support was handled by shipboard personnel. The A7Es carried their own weight in ordnance, and working the flightdeck sure kept me in shape. We figured out that if every man on our crew lifted an equal amount of total ordnance, our individual daily load was 16 tons. We often had Tennessee Earnie Ford singing on the tape player down in the shop. Loaded lots of bombs, shrieks, sidewinders and 20mm HEI in the M61.

Doug Carlson, e-mail, 03.05.2011 19:14 I was an ATR-2 with VA-122 at Lemoore NAS '68 to '69 then transferred to VA-153 '69 to '70. Both squadrons had A-7A's at that time. I deployed with VA-153 on CVA-34, USS Oriskany on Apr '70 to Dec '70 on a WestPac cruise. I was TAD to ships company, AIMD-IM3 ECM Shop. Worked on AN/ALQ-100. What a great experience with a great aircraft.

Steve Harvey, e-mail, 13.04.2011 16:52 Enlisted in 1970 and completed AMS "A" school in Millington, TN. First duty station was NAS Pax River, Service Test. What was so great was that all of our pilots were test pilots and many ended up at NASA. I became an A-7 plane captain and loved the experience and the A-7. Got to watch the first F-14 crash just off the runway while practicing for an airshow. Sad accident. RIP. We had an exchange British test pilot who was getting checked out in my A-7. He was at 40K feet at 40 miles out and he lost his engine. He popped his RAT and was talking to the PAX tower. Tried restart three times but no joy. He was told to eject because there was no way he could make the runway. He refused and brought the aircraft back and caught the wire. Never found out what caused the engine failure however. My next duty was going to be sea duty and I was convinced that I was on my way to a carrier. Orders for VP-44, Broomstick, ME on P-3A's. Loved that aircraft as well. NO TAIL HOOK!

Russ Pearson, e-mail, 05.04.2011 20:11 Assigned to VA-122 Lemoore immediately out of the Training Command in July, 1968. On very first nite carrier landing in A7-B at zero dark thirty on 10 June 1969 during carquals aboard USS Constellation CVA-64, aircraft trapped and then departed flight deck. I ejected underwater and somehow managed to survive...LONG story. Later transitioned to A7-E and made two combat deployments with VA-195 Dambusters aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 1970 -72. Later did a Department Head tour with the Sidewinders of VA-86 @ Cecil Field including two Med Deployments in USS Nimitz (CVN-68), followed by tour as IP with HellRazors of VA-174...Screened for command...Assigned to Gunslingers of VA-105 as XO and CO... Accumulated just short of 3000 hours in A-7's, most in Echo. 885 Traps; 293 combat missions in Vietnam. Loved the A7-E all the way and still do. It's avionics and computer equipment blazed the trail for today's aircraft. Would do it all again if had the opportunity... Russ Pearson

Fred Sanders, e-mail, 02.04.2011 23:21 I flew the B model and then the E model from Cecil field, on the Kennedy and Ike, VA-46. Superior aircraft. The old girl never failed to bring me back home or back to the boat, no matter how badly she was hurting.

Roy Roberts AOCS Retired, 01.03.2011 02:02 I worked on the A7E and the TA7 from 76-82. Stationed with VA-174 and VA-87. Great aircraft. My first experience was the Line Divison on a wash crew washing jets all day in the Florida sun. Worked with S-3's for two tours and was statined with VFA 136 when I retired at Cecil Field in 1999. I truly miss the sound of freedom. There is no slack in Light Attack.

Charlie Braun, AMS-3, e-mail, 26.02.2011 18:06 I worked the swing shift check crew at VA-122 (1969 - 1970) on the A's & B's then finally the E's. I found the A/B's to be a flying hydraulic leak and the newer E's much easier on the red stuff.// The change from twin 20mm cannon to the Vulcan M61-A1 made all the difference in firepower from the reports the pilots made after the transition. // Shootin' and cleanin' the tube was so much fun too.

Norm lyons, e-mail, 15.02.2011 02:59 worked as a sheetmetal mech on the A7 at Lemoore NAS from 73 to 77 great forgiving Aircraft

CDR F. H. "Pinkie" Saunders, e-mail, 08.02.2011 05:51 Flew the A-7A,B,C&E from 1968-1980 & have over 200 hours & 700 landings in the Corsair2. It always got me home & was a pleasure to fly. Power response was slow & made carrier landings a bit difficult at times. Great legs, armament & avionics. Only drawback was TF-41 engine. Constant problems & when CO VA-105 in 1977-78 they were replaced at 125 hour intervals. Led to many bare firewalls. Never regretted flying the "SLUF" for 12 years.

Kai Thomson, e-mail, 01.02.2011 19:04 This is good s**t

CDR Lanny Cox, USN (Ret), e-mail, 03.01.2011 22:46 Flew the A-7E for about 1200 hours in VA-174, VA-66, and VA-94 and found it a real pleasure to fly. The avionics in the A-7E were top notch and state-of-the-art for the time. The only shortcoming in my mind was that it was underpowered - especially, if launching from a carrier with twelve Mk-82 500 pound bombs - a max launch weight of 42,000 pounds.

Steve "Swede" Semanko, e-mail, 30.12.2010 16:04 I was an aircraft hydraulics mechanic and final checker with VA-46 from 73 to 77. We were flying A7B's when most other squadrons were switching to A7E's. Great plane. You could hardly keep it from flying. Made the 1st cruise with F14's on the Kennedy CV-67. Yes boys! It was a fighter too! Our pilots were flying CAP everytime the Tomcats went down with engine trouble.

Capt. J. Gon�alves, e-mail, 11.11.2010 20:46 Great plane. I flew this bird in the Portuguese Air Force and made my training in "departures" with Jim Read.It was in Monte Real Air Base from 82 to 87. Hello Jim ,best regards Jos�.

joe peterman, e-mail, 27.10.2010 10:40 I WAS ATTACHED ATTACHED TO VF-122 WHEN THEY RECIEVED THE A7A'S AND THEN A7B'S. TRANSFERED TO VA146 AND TOOK THE FIRST A7E'S INTO VIETNAM. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST AIRCRAFT I EVER WORKED ON.

Ken Orton, e-mail, 20.10.2010 02:34 Kudos to the Naval Aviators who flew this A/C in VN. As a Jade and later Nail FAC I could always depend on you guys to deliver the goods. Many times I asked specifically for A-7s when there were troops in contact or when delivery had to be extremely accurate. Great airplane. Also, enjoyed my week on the carrier and flights in the F-4 and A-6.

Colin Cressman, e-mail, 17.10.2010 00:07 In your specifications section, you mention 4 cannon. In fact the A and B models had only 2 20mm cannon, one on each side of the nose air intake.

Chris Nicastro, e-mail, 24.09.2010 02:50 My friend and I are working on a radio control 1/6th scale turbine powered flying scale model of this plane. We are looking for any authentic Vought 3 view drawings we can find of the two seater C or K model. This is for personal use to make a high quality composite model for a team scale contest grade aircraft. We have contacted Navair and one other outfit and we are still looking for more info. Any help to locate Vought drawings would be really appreciated and we will document and credit any person or organization that lends a hand. Again this is a personal endeavor to create a super scale flying model to compete at the world scale master level. A one of a kind jet model. My friend is in the AF as a tanker maintainer and we both share a passion for aviation. We would really appreciate your help!

retnavycpo@gmail.com, e-mail, 21.09.2010 04:01 I was with VA-15 (1981-1984), and VA-83 (1987-1990) During my time with VA-83, they transitioned to Hornets. I was an AME, and although the aircond/press system on the Corsair II could be persnickety at times, it was a great aircraft to work on. About the only task I used to dread was changing the canopy glass. That was a bear. I miss the times at NAS Cecil Field. Great base. Nice place to work.

Dale Hendricks, e-mail, 27.08.2010 14:53 I flew the A-7E out of Cecil Field from 1972 to 1975 coming from the T-2B/C as an instructor pilot. The transition was quite easy - my first flight in the "E" version was a joy - great aircraft to fly and use but a bit tough around the boat.

Jim Read, e-mail, 10.08.2010 21:10 Hey Fields Richardson, you may be the only military pilot to fly all models - but one, the YA-7F :) I flew them all at one time or another while a Vought test pilot.

George, e-mail, 30.07.2010 23:38 Flew the AF (D model) for 4 years at DM and Alex. As squadron Co we developed and trained the tactics to use it to help in SAR. Also trained Guard crews. It was a great AC and should have been kept instead of the A-10.

GARY, e-mail, 07.05.2010 18:18 THE A-7 WAS,AND STILL IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE JET.THE "CORSAIR 2" HAD THE RIGHT SPEED, THE "CORSAIR 2" HAD THE RIGHT ORDINANCE HOLDING CAPACITY,AND THE A-7 HAD DECENT RANGE AS WELL.I SAW TWO A-7s SWOOSH RIGHT OVER THE PORT SIDE OF THE USS JOUETT AT MAYBE,300 FEET ABOVE THE WATER'S SURFACE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.THIS WAS WHEN I WAS ON ACTIVE DUTY U.S. NAVY DURING "OPERATION DESERT SHIELD"

Wayne Bucklaew, e-mail, 29.01.2010 05:12 I was an AT and worked on the Avionics of the A7-A. It was one of the best A/C I ever worked on. All the Avionics were contained in 2 bays and were very accessible. The only draw back to the Avionic was the ECM gear "Shoehorned" in the Turtle back. I cussed NARF every time I or one of my men had to pull the gear.

Art Deco, 27.11.2009 00:16 Sol Love, Project Director, J. Russell Clark, Project Engineer.

Walter Boyne, e-mail, 26.11.2009 19:54 I am writing a short article for AF Magazine "Classic" section on the A-7. I need the names of pilots who distinguished themselves in the aircraft or in other pursuits. Also would like to learn the name of the lead designer/project engineer. Thanks. Walter Boyne

James R. Lloyd, e-mail, 29.07.2008 22:24 I flew the A-7A,B and E models, making a 10 month WestPac deployment in the A-7A aboard the USS Saratoga in April 1972. The planes we flew were old but did a great job of delivering tons of ordinance to targets into North Vietnam. Of all the systems it had, I am probably most thankful to its ejection seat. After having my left wing blown off by a SA-2 SAM, I ejected safely from less than 2000 MSL with 2 just two swings in the chute before landing in the rice paddies of NVN...

Capt. Fields Richardson, e-mail, 28.05.2008 01:09 As far as I know I am the only pilot to have flown all models of the A-7. I bagan training in the A-7A and flew all subsequent production models - B C, D (USAF), E, H (Greek), P(Portugese)and both versions of the "T" two seater; one from "re-cycled" B models and one from the C model. This was possible since I was the GFR at Vought for a shore duty tour. I also think I am the high time "guy" with 4513 hours. Great airplane but needed more engine - a familiar lament among all USN aviators!

Capt. Doug Martin, e-mail, 11.05.2008 00:35 This is a well built aircraft, that was reliable and very capable. Because of its high-bypass turbo-fan engine, the engine response wasn't very rapid - and required pilots to be very careful about making many changes to the power on approach to an aircraft carrier. I flew this aircraft for nearly 4 years and liked it very much.

Tom Sumrow, e-mail, 05.05.2008 21:00 The aircrafts shown are A-7C or A-7E if Navy & A7-D if Airforce, no tail hook. The aircraft shown is a single seater ie one canopy. I was trained as a member of the fire control team & worked on all navy versons of the A-7 in the late 196o's & thru the 1970's. I spent time in VA-174 & VA-86 at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Fl. While with VA-86, I made a WestPac cruse on the USS Coral Sea CVA-43 & A Med cruse on the USS America CVA-66.

Gary Christian, e-mail, 21.02.2008 05:27 The aircraft you have in the drawings are A-7's which had TF-41 engines. The aircraft in the picture is a 2 seater. Thats a TA-7C that had a TF-30 engine