Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>A-4>HA1423

General Background

Designed to replace the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider the Skyhawk first flew in 1954. Its small size was a radical departure from the normal "Big" thinking of the time. The USN first took delivery in late 1956 with the USMC receiving theirs 3 months later. Over the years many nicknames were used, "Tinker Toy", "Heinemann's Hotrod" (the designer was Ed Heinemann), with the E and F models labeled the "Camel" because of the electronics hump along the dorsal. Probably the most well known nickname used for the 2,960 A-4's that were produced is "Scooter".

The Aircraft

Douglas A-4C Skyhawk 148566 had a short but busy career. In October 1961 the aircraft was first assigned to VA-22 as NE-310 until 1963 when it became NE-230. For a short period in 1965 the aircraft was assigned to NAS Atsugi, Japan as 8A-xx and later that year was re-assigned to VA-144 "Roadrunners" as NH-302 operating from the USS Kitty Hawk until part way through 1967 it once again went to NAS Atsugi, Japan with an 8A-xx number and shortly there after was assigned to VA-34 "Blue Blasters" as AK-314. On November 7, 1967 this aircraft was lost to NVA AAA and the pilot was rescued.

Specifications :

Crew :	1
Dimensions
Length :	40ft 3in
Height :	14ft 11in
Weight :
Empty :	10,450 lbs
Weight :	20,000 lbs (loaded)
Loaded :	18,300 lbs
Gross :	24,500 lbs
Performance
Powerplant :	1 x Wright J-65-W-20 non-afterburning turbojet, 8,200 lbs. of thrust
Maximum Speed :	673 mph
Combat Radius :	1,000 miles
Ferry Range :	2,130 miles
Service Ceiling :	42,250 ft
Maximum Rate of Climb :	8,440 ft/min