Vought A-7 Corsair II
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 27 September 1965 |
| Year of introduction | 1966 |
| Number produced | 1545 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
Description
According to the specifications of the US Navy, the A-7 Corsair II was intended to replace the A-4 Skyhawk on aircraft carriers and be capable of carrying a heavy offensive load over a long distance, albeit at subsonic speed.
The A-7 was designed based on the F-8 Crusader, with which it shares a great resemblance, but with a shorter fuselage and without variable incidence wings. It could carry a significant military payload under the 8 pylons of its wings and was equipped with a 20mm Vulcan cannon. The A-7 began its career in Vietnam where it proved to be a high-performing and reliable attack aircraft.
Production continued until the mid-1980s, after which 1534 units were built.
Technical specifications
| Version: A-7E | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 2300 km (1429 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1123 km/h (698 mph) |
| Wing area | 34.8 m² (374.6 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 11.8 m (38.7 ft) |
| Height | 4.9 m (16.1 ft) |
| Length | 14.1 m (46.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12800 m (41995 ft) |
| Empty weight | 8840 kg (19489 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 19050 kg (41998 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Allison TF41-A-2 delivering 6795 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Escapac IG-2 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the A-7 Corsair II in 2024.
All operators
Greece • Portugal • Thailand • United States
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Anti-Radiation AGM-45 Shrike
- Air-to-Surface AGM-65 Maverick
- Anti-Radiation AGM-88 HARM
- Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder
Bombs payload:
- Thermonuclear B28 (脡U : Mk 28)
- Thermonuclear B57 Mod 1
- Thermonuclear B61
- Low-Drag Mk 82
Photo of A-7 Corsair II
