McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 22 June 1954 |
| Year of introduction | 1956 |
| Number produced | 2960 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
Description
The Skyhawk was a lightweight carrier-based attack aircraft, designed with a simple concept influenced by lessons learned from the Korean War, built to succeed the A-1 Skyraider. It was employed by the US Navy and the Marine Corps for attack and ground support missions, experiencing rapid success.
Capable of carrying nuclear payloads, it was equipped with a navigation system to enable night flying and operation in challenging weather conditions. The Skyhawk was a highly compact aircraft, optimized for operations from aircraft carriers, utilizing every inch of its structure efficiently. Despite its remarkably low empty weight, the A-4 could carry a diverse range of offensive payloads, totaling up to 1500 kg.
The Skyhawk saw extensive use during the Vietnam War and was produced for 22 years, with nearly 3000 units manufactured. Some countries still possess these aircraft today.
Technical specifications
| Version: A-4F | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 3300 km (2051 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1077 km/h (669 mph) |
| Wing area | 24.2 m² (259.9 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 8.4 m (27.5 ft) |
| Height | 4.6 m (15.0 ft) |
| Length | 12.2 m (40.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12880 m (42257 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4750 kg (10472 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11136 kg (24551 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 43.0 m/s (141.1 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Pratt & Whitney J52-P8A delivering 4100 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Escapac IC-3 |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Argentina | 27 | |
|
Brazil | 6 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Argentina • Australia • Brazil • Indonesia • Israel • Kuwait • Malaysia • New Zealand • Singapore • United States
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Surface AGM-12 Bullpup
- Anti-Radiation AGM-45 Shrike
- Air-to-Surface AGM-65 Maverick
- Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder
Bombs payload:
- Thermonuclear B57 Mod 1
- Thermonuclear B61
- Cluster CBU-59/B Rockeye II
- Cluster Mk 20 Mod 0 Rockeye
Photo of A-4 Skyhawk
3-view profile
