A-4 Skyhawk, Navy (1:28)

A-4 Skyhawk, Navy (1:28) Span 11.8 Len 17.3

The United States Navy and Marines appealed for a new tactical attack jet weighing 30,000 lb in 1952. The Navy was quite amazed when the Douglas Aircraft Company claimed to be able to meet the design requirements with an aircraft weighing only half as much. Not only did the resulting A-4 fully meet all performance specifications, but the aircraft also set a world speed record in 1954. The A-4 was designed from experience gained in the Korean War that made clear the need for an aircraft with greater range and payload, suitable for use on aircraft carriers, and able to provide close-in support for ground forces. The A-4 Skyhawk first flew on June 22, 1954

The A-4 Skyhawk marked a noble success in Vietnam and became popular with many foreign militaries. Although nearly 30 years old at the time of the Falkland Islands conflict, A-4s operating from Argentine land bases successfully attacked and sank a number of British ships. The last of 2,960 Skyhawks was built in 1980, though upgrade programs continued well into the 1990s.

The mission of an A-4 Skyhawk is to attack and to destroy surface targets in support of the landing force commander, escort helicopters, and conduct other operations as directed. The A-4 Skyhawk is probably one of the most famous attack aircraft ever designed.