Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-4>HA1403
A-4E John McCain
General Background
The A-4 Skyhawk is one of the most successful attack aircrafts ever built. This smallest jet aircraft ever deployed on a carrier was the product of Douglas 's Chief Engineer Ed Heinnemann in the 1952. This was the time when a more lightweight aircraft was in demand to fit into those post-war vintage carriers.
The Skyhawk was extensively used during the Cold War period and the Vietnam War by the Navy and the Marines. Because of its small size and powerful performance, the A-4 was also known as the “Heinnemann's Hot Rod”. A total of 2, 960 of Skyhawk were built and many of them were exported to other countries.
The Skyhawk was extensively used during the Cold War period and the Vietnam War by the Navy and the Marines. Because of its small size and powerful performance, the A-4 was also known as the “Heinnemann's Hot Rod”. A total of 2, 960 of Skyhawk were built and many of them were exported to other countries.
The Aircraft
In July 1967 John Sidney McCain III survived a deck explosion and fire on the USS Forestall that killed 134. He then joined the USS Oriskany VA-163 Saints and in October 1967 his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam. Released after 5 1/2 years in prison John retired in 1981 and was elected a Congressman in 1982 and Senator in 1986. While in the Navy McCain was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and the DFC.
Specifications :
| Wing Span : | 27 ft 6 in |
| Length : | 39 ft 5 in |
| Height : | 15 ft |
| Weight : | 20,000 lbs (loaded) |
| Maximum Speed : | 664 mph |
| Service Ceiling : | 20,100 ft |
| Range : | 1,160 miles |
| Engines : | 1 Wright J65-W-20 turbojet, 8,400 lbs thrust |
| Crew : | 1 |