The A-4 Skyhawk
The A-4 Skyhawk was developed by the design team of Mr Edward Henry Heinemann of Douglas Aircraft Company. He was in charge to create an aircraft that would replace the propeller driven and for the time a bit outdated navy machine A-1 Skyraider that had their maiden flight in 1945. The A-4 was designed to serve for interdiction and close air support. Its flexibility and low weight made it a perfect multi-purpose aircraft for the navy. It could serve as
tanker, interceptor, light attack airplane or bomber that was capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The A-4 Skyhawk can look back on a very long service history in the US Navy. Starting with the first pre-design studies in July 1952 and ending with the delivery of the last A-4 on 27 February 1979. The A-4 was involved in many military conflicts, among others in the Vietnam War, in the Falkland War for Argentina, Yom Kippur Wars for Israel and in the Gulf Wars for Kuwait. In total 2960 of this aircraft were produced over the years, 555 of these were 2 seated trainer versions.
As we have seen in the video, the aircraft is still in Service in other Naval airforces today. The machines still in use by Brazil are 20 A-4KU und 3 TA-4KU bought from Kuwait in 1997.
by
Kilian Weimann References:--------------------------
Photos:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/A-4_SkyhawkSources:
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All rights reserved © 2008 Kilian Weimann for LetLetLet Warplanes
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