Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-4>HA1404
A-4B "Falklands" C-207, Fuerza Aerea Argentina, May 1982
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
Argentina has been one of the bigger users of the A-4B and in 1966 a total of 66 A-4B was purchased from the US Navy. During the Falklands conflict in 1982, though lacking any guided or electronic missiles, A-4B had demonstrated its power and agility in the San Carlos Water and had destroyed the HMS Conventry, HMS Antelope, RFA Sir Galahad and HMS Ardent. A total of 22 Skyhawks were lost during the war.
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 |