Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-4>HA1406

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 Aircraft

VA-126 was established in 1958 to provide fleet instrument training. Over the years they became VF-126 and provided aggressor training. In 1967 the A-4E was being replaced in the fleet and they became the perfect choice to simulate the Mig-17 because of the small size, maneuverability and smokeless trail.

Originally the Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) was established in 1969 as part of VF-121. It quickly expanded to become the fleet school. VF-126 kept playing the bandit role until their disestablishment in 1994.

Specifications :

Engines :	1 Wright J65-W-20 turbojet, 8,400 lbs thrust
Performance
Maximum Speed :	673 mph at sea level with a clean aircraft
	636 mph at sea level with a Mk. 28 nuclear weapon
Cruising speed :	498 mph
Stall speed :	139 mph
Combat ceiling :	(clean aircraft) 40,500 feet
Runway :	to 20,000 ft – 4 minutes
Flight distances:	230 miles with a Mk. 28 weapon
	680 miles with 2 X 300-gallon drop tanks
	Ferry range 2130 miles
Dimensions:	Wingspan 27 ft 6 in
	Length 41ft 4 in
	Height 15 ft
	Wing area 260 sq ft
	Weights:9,624 lb. Empty
	18,300 lbs. Gross
	22,950 lbs. Maximum
Armament:	2 x 20 mm cannon with 200 rounds/gun
	Maximum weapons load 8,200 lbs. carried on 5 pylons - 2 pylons under each wing and 1 center-line pylon