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Crowood - McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Crowood - McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
McDonnell Douglas
A-4SKYHAWK
Brad EI"\Vard
4275
I~~cl
The Crowood Press
First puhlished in 20 hI'
The Crowood Pres, Ltd Acknowledgements Contents
Ramshury, Marlhorough
Wiltshire N 2HR
As with all writing projects, the author is Ensign Mike Blankenship, HI FO;
© Brad Elward 2000 just one of many who contribute to the Dave Donald and ick troud, Aero pace Pr face 7
completed book. Behind the pages are Publishing; jim Winchester; john Binford;
dozen of people whose contributions are Frank Mirande; dr Doug iegfried
All right reserved. 0 parr of this puhlication may
he reproduced or transmitted in any form or hI' any
great, but recognition little. I want to Retd of the Tailhook Association; Col 1 'Heinemann's Hot Rod' - The D v lopm nt of the A-4 9
thank my editor, Melvin Hiscock, for his john Caldas USMC Retd; Capt Otto E.
mean>, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopy, recording, or any information storage
guidance and for giving me the opportu- Krueger Ret; Tony Holme; apt 2 The Scooter Com s to Life 28
and retrieval system, without permission in writing nity to write this addition to his Aviation Walter Ohlrich US Ret; Anthony
eries. Thornborough; Mike Weeks; Barb Joyner;
from the publisher•.
My greatest thanks goes to all of those Faith Blanchard; and Amy Clark.
3 T wo~Seat Skyhawk 84
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data people who helped make this project a Special thanks go to my wife Marie,
A G1talogue record for this hook is availahle from reality: Robert F. Dorr, who has provided for tolerating all of my time away from 4 Skyhawks at War 104
[he British Library. endless advice on aviation writi ng and who the family and for her help with this
is responsible for opening up countless project; to my children, Logan, Ryan, and 5 Skyhawks in Foreign Service 156
ISBN 1 86126 340 6
doors to the aviation writing community; Zane, for their patience and under-
Harry Gann, the former Douglas Aircraft standing; and to my colleagues at my law App ndice
Historian and respected Sky hawk author- firm, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, for
ity; Lt Cdr Richard Burgess US Ret; their support. I Significant Skyhawk Milestones 176
Lt Cdr Tom Twomey S ; Ted Carlson
of Fotodynamic; Lt dr Rick Morgan Brad Elward
U Ret; Hill Goodspeed, Historian, East Peoria, Illinois
II Variant Specifications and Detail 177
ational Museum of ava! Aviation; September 1999
III A-4 Production Hi tory 181
IV A-4 Squadrons, US and USMC 1 6
otes 188
Bibliography 188
Glossary 189
Index 189
- -
- ----
PREFACE
probe and buddy-store refuelling capabil- gave the Scooter its fir t, albeit limited, aft avionic package of the A-4F, called by
it ; the A-4C brought with it an expanded all-weather attack capability, With the many the 'hump', brought much-needed CHAPTER ONE
ordnance capability and, perhaps most -4E came the addition of two more electronic countermeasures systems with
important, terrain clearance radar that weapon pylons, making a total of five; the which to meet the developing threat in
\\,1'> ~()lnt: tn lin and Ir ah\"ay:-, lhll \\"har 11 wet:-, :-.1:C of C1 h;hkl'lhall, ilnd a . . eulIldary, ",hid) \\(1 ... haYl' <I '>{,Indh," ~\'rn~
A-4A to TA-4F, this late 1960s VA-125 photo depicts all A-4 Skyhawk models made by Douglas to date, The
VA-125 'Rough Raiders' were responsible for training all west coast A-4 pilots following their graduation
from the training wings, Harry Gann
8 9
· HOT ROD' - THE DE ELOPMENT OF THE A-4 'HEINEM N "S HOT ROD' - THE OEVELOPME T OF THE A-4
from the 29,125 of a year earlier. Events power dominated the scene, with close air compared to its jet-powered brethren, the
The Douglas Aircraft Company
such as the Biki n i Atoll te t in 1946, which support and interdiction bing the primary Grumman F9F Panthers/Cougars and
The Douglas Aircrah Company was founded in 1920 by Donald Wills destroyed numerous surface ships, includ- missions. Particularly in the early days of McDonnell F2H Banshees) propeller-
The Douglas affiliation with the Navy continued throughout the 1930s,
Douglas, following his brief tenure with aircrah mogul Glenn L. Martin with production of the TBD Devastator and later, the SBD Dauntless dive- ing aircraft carriers, left many que tioning the war, and during MacArthur's famed driven, Skyraiders on long-range missions,
(responsible for the Martin PBM and B-26) from 1916-20. With the financial bomber/scout made famous in the 1942 Battle of Midway. Douglas sought a the vulnerability of any surface ship to Inchon landings, much of this air power which could la t from eight to twelve
backing of sportsman David R. Davis, Douglas began his company in 1920 follow-on to the Dauntless, developing the Destroyer. However, real fame nuclear weapons. Carrier forces were also was upplied by carrier aviation. Indeed, hours and lead to problems associated with
as the Davis-Douglas Aircrah Company. Douglas's first venture, a sturdy came through the AD Skyraider series. Designed too late for World War II troubled by th ir inability to carry th large 41 per cent of all sorties were flown by aircrew fatigue. AD pilots also voiced
biplane dubbed the 'Cloudster', was ordered by Davis for his use. Ironically, operations, the Skyraider saw action in Korea and Vietnam, operating from atomic weapons of the day, some of which avy and Marine Corps aircraft, including concern over the kyraider's effectiveness
the Cloudster bore a remarkable semblance to the requirements issued by both carriers and shore-based Marine installations. Skyraiders flew weighed up to 10,0001b (4,530kg), and over half of the total interdiction sortie. when pitted against the sleeker and more
the US Navy for a new torpedo bomber. hundreds of sorties in Vietnam until they were withdrawn from carrier measured nearly 11ft (3Am) in length. While carrier aviation made its mark nimble jet-powered Soviet-built fighters of
With new financing, the Davis name was dropped, thereby becoming the service in late 1968. Other Douglas designs, including the A3D Skywarrior Without an atomic delivery capability, in the Korean War, it became clear that the day, such as th Soviet-built MiG-IS
Douglas Aircrah Company, and was issued with a contract to produce the and the F4D Skyray, carried on the company's tradition of excellence in the
Cloudster as the DT-1 - signifying that it was the first type of Douglas-built some wished to relegate the avy to trans- the days of the propeller plane as a main- 'Fagot'.
attack and fighter roles respectively. The Skyray is regarded as one of the
Torpedo aircrah. While only one DT-1 was built, subsequent production of a port and anti- submarine roles. stay of naval aviation were over. Attack Also at the forefront of the avy's
best fighters of its time. Moreover, the A3D served with Navy units until the
variant known as the DT-2 began, with forty examples built for the US Navy mid-1980s, as an electronic surveillance aircrah, tanker, and electronic To make matters worse, the avy it elf planes were far too vulnerable to jet inter- collective mind was the need to be closely
and another forty-six built under licensing agreements. aggressor. was experiencing growing pains as it ceptors and needed the added boost of jet involved with the growing ·trategic arm
attempted to accommodate the newer jet power to aid ingress and egress. Even the of th military. With the US Air
aircraft into carri r servic . Landing in bad American jet planes of the day, namely, Force's B-47 Stratojet and the introduc-
These short comments say it all when both naval strategy and assets, as the Navy In 1945, the avy had ninety-eight car- weather was difficult enough for slower, the Grumman F9F Panther, would have tion of the B-52 Stratofortress, the avy
talking about the kyhawk, from its rug- moved from a vast blue-water fleet domi- riers, twenty-three of which were of the conventionally powered propeller aircraft, been no match for the M iGs had the was ke n to protect its role of delivering
gednes [0 the simplicity of it de ign. nated by propeller-driven aircraft to the newer 27,00 ton 'Essex' class. Three other let alone the newer jets, with their higher orth Korean pilots been better trained. nuclear weapons deep into the heart of
atomic age and jet-power. Indeed, fol- large carriers of the 45,000 ton 'Midway' approach peeds. aval aviation was in a It was against thi backdrop that the enemy territory. Both the orth Ameri-
lowing the end of World War ll, many cia s were also nearing completion, and state of flux, a force in tran ition, caught kyhawk emerged. can AJ-I and the Douglas A3D erved
The Setting were questioning whether carriers had any would soon join the fleet. In less than a between two eras. Even as late a 1950, this purpose, but were recognized as large
role [0 play given the development of the year, however, carrier forces would be much of the carrier deck was occupied by airframes unsuitable for close air support
During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the new long-range, atomic-armed strategic slashed to twenty-three carriers, with naval propeller-driven aircraft, namely the F4U Origins of the A-4 and conventional, non-nuclear attack
avy saw a remarkable transition in bombers. combat aircraft down to just 14,125 aircraft Corsair and the AD Skyraider. Most of carrier operations. What was needed was
the carriers were too small for jets, and Development of the A-4 Skyhawk stem- a smaller aircraft, with nuclear strike
the proposed 58,000 ton supercarrier, med from the convergence of several capability, incorporating recent advances
United States (CVB 5 ) had been can- factors. The avy needed a jet-powered in weapon's miniaturization, that could
celled, as it was considered unnecessary in replacement for the propeller-driven equally fill the conventional role. With
light of the carrier's overall mission and Douglas AD Skyraider serie attack these concerns in mind, the avy began
the Air Force's developing Strategic Air aircraft, and internal events within the looking for an alternative to the AD series
Command. Douglas Aircraft Company had focused that would feature a more manoeuvrable
aval aviation's role was soon clarified, attention on reducing overall aircraft and smaller jet-powered aircraft, with the
however, when the orth Koreans crossed weight and complexity - something that load-carrying capabilities of the AD and
the 3 th Parallel on 25 June 1950, mark- had become a growing trend in the avia- the added capability for delivering nuclear
ing the start of the Korean War in which tion industry since the 1940s. weapons.
carrier forces would playa vital part in ince 1946, the carrier-based AD Sky- At the same time as the avy was
containing Communist advances. Con- raider had been operating with fleet units looking for a jet-powered AD series
trary to the predictions of military plan- as the air wing's light attack and close- replacement, Ed Heinemann, chief engi-
ners of the day, the atomic weapons, and, support aircraft. However, the avy was neer, and his team at Douglas, EI Segundo
therefore, the entire fleet of strategic beginning to hear complaints from AD were pursuing a high-performance, Iight-
bombers, played no role. Tactical air pilots about flying the relatively slow (a weight fighter design with thrust/weight
Born Gustave Henry Heinemann on 14 March 1908, Ed Heinemann began his Perhaps Heinemann's biggest success, aside from the A4D, was the
association with the Douglas Aircrah Company in 1926 as a drahsman propeller-driven AD series Skyraider, of which over 3,000 were produced in
where he prepared tracings and drawings for early model Douglas aircrah all-weather attack, airborne early warning, and electronic warfare variants.
and later, at the age of twenty-five, worked on Douglas's successor to the Serving in Korea and Vietnam, Skyraiders were seldom outmatched in their
TD-1, the T2D-1. During this time, Heinemann worked in close association ability to deliver mass destruction.
with John K. Northrop who would later leave Douglas to form Northrop. Heinemann's success was not limited to propeller aircrah. Following the
Although he lacked formal training as an engineer, Heinemann learned end of World War II, two jet designs emerged from Heinemann's Douglas
quickly and gained valuable experience taking night courses in aircrah design team to fill the growing need for carrier-based jet-powered fighter
design from Don Berlin, a Douglas engineer. aircrah. The first was the all-weather F3D Skynight, serving as a two-seat
Heinemann's hard work and expertise were rewarded when he was night fighter/interdiction aircraft. This capable aircrah was later adapted by
promoted to chief engineer of the Northrop Division in 1937, which was the US Marines as an electronic warfare platform, where it performed well
renamed EI Segundo in 1938. There, Heinemann designed such famous until the entry of the Grumman EA-6 Electric Intruder and later the EA-6B
Two historic planes, the XA4D-l and its big brother, the Douglas A3D-l, sit side-by-side at Mines Field (LAX), planes as the US Navy's Devastator and Dauntless, the DB-7/A-20 Prowler. Also designed by Heinemann was the supersonic delta-winged
California, in June 1954, just prior to the Skyhawk's first flight. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann Boston/Havoc and A-26 Invader used by the Army Air Corps. shaped fighter, the Douglas F4D Skyray, which served with frontline Navy
70 77
'HEINEMA N'S HOT ROD' - THE OEVELOPME T OF THE A-4
PRESSURE FUELING
RECEPTACLE
CAPACITY· 810 GALLONS
WITH
OIL TANK
:t.PACITY 3 ZS (4}t1) GALLONS
SPEC: MIL-L- 7808
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
CAPAC! Y I '5 PI TS
SPEC \4IL-O-5606
COLOR' REO
FUEL SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERNAL FUEL TANKS
EMERGENCY FUEL C,.3,PACITlE5
ASHORE WINGS 50 OR 300 GALLON 5
RECOMENDED JP-4 CENTER 50 OR 300 GALLONS
I-==~;';'-::-:"':':=';""~:c-==:-;o-!-:--;O=,.......,===-;;------j
(t)AIRPL AN E 5 9UN O. 4'5071 .1N 0 su B Sf uE T
OTH RS .1F"TER .:.sc liB
Designer Ed Heinemann stands next to the last Skyhawk, Servicing Diagram Notice the compactness of the various liquid reservoirs and
Stowage on the diminutive Scooter was limited indeed, and all space had to be put to good use.
an A-4M. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
their proximity to critical systems so as to reduce the need for long connection pipes.
73
72
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE DEVELOPME T OF THE A·4
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE DEV LOPMENT OF THE A-4
rhe probable requir menrs for furure mili- former Commander of Task Force 77
rary aircraft. At rhe hearr of rhis study were during the Korean War, was sirring in for
Rear-Admiral Thomas . Combs, hief of
"~ concerns over rhe growing complexity,
the Bureau of Aeronautics, who was
L' -"- weight, and cost of new aircrafr and how
rhose facrors would ulrimarely impacr upon unavailable.)
At this meering Heinemann presented
the shape and strengrh of the U milirary.
This rrend dared back to World War II and Soucek with an unsolicired ourline of
hi lightweight fighter design, which he
was labelled by Douglas engineers as rhe
'growrh-factor', a rerm referring ro rhe addi- believed would reverse the trend roward
heavier and more expensive aircraft.
rional weighr likely to be added to a new
aircrafr de ign afrer ir becomes operarional. Soucek quickly informed Heinemann that,
The study noted rhar, once rhe growrh- although the design was intriguing, rhe
Navy was not currenrly interested in new
factor exceeds the aircrafr's original d sign
jet-based fighter designs. t that time,
weighr by more rhan 12 to 15 per cenr, rhe
development was underway of the Chance
aircrafr suffers a ignificanr degradarion in
speed and performance. The report furrher Voughr F8U-1 Crusader, which was
authorized in 1953 and later saw action in
poinred our rhar for every pound of weighr
Vietnam. Neverrheless, Soucek asked
added ro a de ign, overall weighr was
Heinemann to see if the design concepts
increased by a facror of ren due to rhe addi-
rion of supporr equipmenr. could be applied ro procure a new jet-
powered arrack design in the 30,0001b
Heinemann himself had rried to guard
weight class, which would be capable of
againsr rhis trend when he designed rhe
succ ssful AD Skyraider series in 1944. delivering a nuclear bomb,
Within a marrer of weeks, Heinemann'
Mandaring rhar engineers jusrify every The XAlD Skyshark represented the initial attempt by Douglas at an AD Skyraider
team was back in Washingron with a successor. This design was powered by a 5,332shp Allison XT40-A-6 turboprop
nut and boll', the firsr AD was produced
proposal urpa ing all of the Navy's engine driving two four-bladed contra-rotating propellers and armed with four
for rhe avya full 1,0001b (455kg) below
rhe design specifications. Even rhis ad- essential criteria. Measuring approxi- 20mm cannons. Problems with the engines simply could not be worked out and
mately 3 ft 4in (l1.7m) in length with a the project was cancelled, with approximately $41 million in funding diverted to
vanrage, however, fell by rhe wayside as
wing span of 27ft 6in ( Am), Heine- what became the A-4D programme. Harry Gann
new upgrades and varianrs (radar, elec-
tronic radomes, and refuelling srore ) were mann's design would provide a rop speed
~"~ conrinually fielded. Indeed, over rhe
of over 600mph (970km/h) a combat
radius of nearly 460 mile (740km), and
fl
'·~~.,~,· course of irs career, rhe Skyraider would
still come in at less than half of the spec-
be produced in seven varianrs ending wirh
." .~J..,: '...'. _ ~---
~' rhe AD-7 (A-lJ) in 1957. When rhe AD
ified weight load. Although doubts were
. ,.-
;'--'-,L.._
ex pres ed by BuAer staff, Soucek was suffi-
series was phased our from rhe fleer during
cienrly impressed to aurhorize Douglas ro
rhe Viernam War, rhe empry weighr
conduct additional design work.
had grown from 18,3001b (8,300kg) ro
These drawings depict the first rough sketches of the A4D aerodynamic shapes. 25,0001b (l1,350kg). Orher airet'afr of
Notable are the tailless arrangement and the high tailplane configuration. Sketch rhe day were weighry roo; rhe Panrher
via Harry Gann Collection weighed I8,7001b (8,490kg) and rhe Ban-
The Basic Skyhawk
shee 23,3001b (l0,580kg). However none Takes Shape
approached rhe awesome weighr of rhe
Wirh this in hand, Heinemann and his
A3D Skywarrior, coming in ar 82,0001b
rario exceeding one-ro-one. Remarkably, capable of combaring conremporary devel- ream returned ro EI Segundo and began
(37,250kg). leinemann concluded rhar
orher fighrers of rhe day, rhe F- 6 Sabre opmenrs of rhe MiG-IS. The F9F had converring their paper ideas inro reality.
mosr combar aircrafr were vasrly over-
and F9F-2 Panrher, while noted for rheir inadequare performance for fully effecrive The design pursued by Douglas concen-
weighr for rhe rask assigned and rhat
agiliry and superior handling characreris- defense against MiG-IS rype jer fighrers'2 trated on a cropped delra-wing configu-
addirional weight was never marched by
rics, roured rarios of a mere 0.36: 1 and Thi , roo, was rhe general feeling of rhe rarion, ro which Heinemann wa first
a concurrenr growth in power.
0.39: I respecrively. Heinemann oughr ro carrier commander, as rhe Valley Forge introduced while working with John
bear rhar rario, in parr, rhrough a impler, acrion reports com men red: '.. it is Northrop during the 1930s. This design
more srreamlined de ign. bel ieved rhar if they [ orrh Korea] had Heinemann Introduces the was also to some extent derived from
Ir is inreresring ro nore rhar while l een manned by pilor as aggressive and the Douglas F4D-I kyray's delta wing,
Heinemann was pursuing a lighrweighr
Lightweight Design although modified with a low aspect ratio
well rrained as ours rhar own pilot and
fighrer design, naval commanders in plane losses would have been grear'.l and a quarrer-chord sweep of 33 degrees.
In January 1952, Heinemann and Roberr
Korea were already calling for a new With this design, the wings could be shorr-
Canady of Douglas' Washingron office
generarion of jer fighters capable of oper- ened to 2 7fr 6in ( 3m), saving some 200lb
mer wirh Rear-Admiral Apollo Soucek
aring on a par wirh MiG-IS rype jers. Thi (90kg) in metal. Moreover, the reduced
The Rule of Ten in Washingron DC ro discuss how ro
wing size permirred de igners to forego tra- Indicative of the originally planned Skyhawk mission, this group of Marines at
was highlighred in rhe avy's firsr Korean conrain borh rhe weighr and co r of
ditional and bulky wing-folding mecha- MCAS Cherry Point load a special 'shape' on an A4D-2N/A-4C for what was
War evaluarion reporr, which srared: '... During rhe early 1950s, Douglas engineers rhe nexr-generation jet-powered fighters
nisms, since the A4D could now fit nearly undoubtedly a trial nuclear weapons delivery hop. US Navy via Harry Gann
ar high prioriry provide a carrier fighrer had embarked on a comprehensive srudy of then entering fleet service. (Soucek, a
15
14
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE OEVELOPME T OF THE A-4
onto carrier elevators. Leading-edge lats would be powered by a 7,2001b (3,265kg) From an armaments standpoint, the
were added to make up for the smaller thrust Wright J65-W-2 turbojet engine A-4 would carry two Colt Mk 12 20mm
overall wing area. built under a licen ing agreement with cannons, one in each wing-root; a design
The A4D's delta-wing planform also Armstrong iddeley apphire of England. similar to that revealed one year earlier in
permitted single-unit wing construction. Contrary to the ideals of the day, Heine- the Soviet-built MiG-19 'Farmer'. Three
For this Douglas milized a three-spar box mann decided not to pursue supersonic external hardpoints would be provided for
construction, continuous from wing-tip Right in recognition of the fact that to do carrying a variety of air-to-air, air-to-
to wing-tip, thereby allowing the wing so would have dramatically increased the groun 1, and drop tanks with an overall
to serve also as a large fuel tank. Known 4D's weight and degraded its payload. load capacity of 8,0551b (3,660kg) of fuel
::lS ::l 'wet-wing', the tanks could hold up Intere tingly, in its preliminary design and weapons. Heinemann had deliberately
to 560 gallons(2,12Iitre),inaddi- stage, the kyhawk included a conven- omitted an internal weapons bay, hoping
tion to the 240 U gallons (91 litres) tional undercut aft-fuselage similar to that to save as much as 5,0001b (2,270kg).
contained in the fuselage tank. By using featured on all Grumman F9F Panther / , pecial' weapons (the Pentagon's euphe-
the wet-wing design, fewer valves and Cougars. This design, however, was later mism for nuclear weapons) could also be
pipes were needed, thereby reducing replaced with a long exhaust or 'tailpipe' carried by the A4D.
overall weight even further. designed to eliminate engine smoke and Heinemann's team introduced two
According to Heinemann, the A4D heat stains under the fuselage. unique designs that further reduced air-
Douglas presented a mock-up of the A-4to the Navy in October 1952. Most notable is the aft tail section,
which looks more like a Grumman F9F Panther. The mock-up inspection report (notice the reference to the
nuclear role) described the A4D as follows:
... delta-wing configuration with a normal tail, a conventional control system, carries a crew of one,
powered by a single J65-W-2 axial flow jet engine. A large variety of weapons can be carried
externally on three bomb racks, the centreline station capable of carrying stores up to 3,5751b. and the
wing racks being stressed for 1.000lb each. Design gross weight with one Mk 12 weapon is 14.2501b,
and the combat radius with this weapon and internal fuel only (900 gals) is 400 miles. The maximum
design catapult weight is 19.760Ib. Maximum speed in the clean position at sea level is 596kts. (M-
0.90) and the combat ceiling at combat weight is 50.000ft.
Following this Review Board mock-up. the Navy ordered nineteen aircraft. Harry Gann
raft weight by eliminating one of the 12in (30cm) to allow greater leverage in The Initial Contract
redundant hydraulic systems. First, the controlling the plane manually. Further
main landing gear was designed to retract weight reduction was achieved by elimin- On 21 June 1952 Douglas was awarded a
forward through 90 degrees into fairings ating the heavy torage battery and re- contract for the design and construction
located below the wing's surfaces. Thus, placing it with a small, variable pitch, con- of one XA4D-1 and one static test air-
This A-4C from VA-76 'Spirits' aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) in 1965-6 illustrates what Heinemann had if the hydraulics failed, the gear could stant-speed, wind-driven AC gen rator. In frame. pecifications for this plane were
in mind when he designed the small delta wing. Most carrier-based aircraft of the day had large simply be released and forced into position the event of an emergency, the small unit harsh, with the Navy calling for a 'light-
wingspans and required heavy wing-fold mechanisms to fit on carrier elevators. As this photo shows, the by the airRow passing under the plane. could be popped out of the main fuselage weight, single-engined, ingle-pia e, high-
Skyhawk fits neatly aboard and did not require folding wings, thereby saving considerable weight. The second innovation was a ontrol col- into the slipstream at speeds below performance, carrier-based, day-attack
US Navy via author umn or 'stick' that could be extended by 519mph ( 40km/h). capable plane, capable of performing dive-
16 17
-
This production line photo of Kuwaiti A-4KUs being built during the 1970s demonstr~tes h~,,:, the en~ineers wh~ trave~led to Korea in
1952 incorporated what they saw into the final Skyhawk design. The two fuselages break In the mIddle affording maintenance
personnel easy access to the engine. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
Ejection Seats
An assortment of planes from the early to mid-1950s flying in formation at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. From the top down are the Douglas A3D Skywarrior,
This Navy It (jg) demonstrates the Skyhawk's lightweight seat design. Boeing Historical
McDonnell F3H Demon, Douglas F4D Skyray, North American FJ-4 Fury, Grumman F-11 F-1 Tiger and the Douglas A4D Skyhawk. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess, USN Retd
Archives via Harry Gann
18 19
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE -4 'HEINH"IANN'S HOT ROD' - THE 0 VELOPMENT OFTHE A-4
137812 lifts off! Test pilot Rahn commented after the flight that the Skyhawk 'handled excellent'. Rahn
would go on to conduct spin tests in this same aircraft fined with a special parachute pod. Rahn had this to
say about the first such test on 4 January 1955:
... entry into spin made at 32,OOOft - to left in glide configuration recovery started promptly after
one-quarter turn ... no tendency for plane to go off into right spin nature of spin consisted of
definite yaw and oscillation - recovery quite effective using right rudder ... termination of spinning
(autorotation) found in vertical dive - somewhat inverted.
This now-famous front-on publicity photograph shows the A4D as it looked upon roll-out of the Douglas Following a total of twelve spins that day, Rahn concluded that the aircraft exhibited 'excellent recovery
plant. The long probe on the nose is for flight test equipment. Douglas Aircraft Co. via author characteristics ... in all cases'. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
20 27
~ - ----- ------
'HEI EMA N'S HOT ROD' - THE OEVELOPME T OFTHE A-4
22 23
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE A-4 'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE A-4
Angeles, reduced weight by nearly one- fifteen weeks. Other delays arose as a result fuel could be carried, including a nuclear
third. The standard ejection seat, itself of difficulties in drilling small, high-toler- weapon of up to 3,5001b (1,590kg) on its
weighing nearly 981b (45kg), was com- ance holes in strengthened aluminium, centreline station. Moreover, all of this
pletely redesigned by Douglas to shed and with Wright's deliveries of the J65 was achieved at a cost of $860,000 per
another 401b (l8kg). Electronic 'black engines. copy for the fi rst 500 aircraft.
boxes' containing navigational and com- A second mock-up inspection took
munications equipment, formerly scat- place in February 1953. Several hundred
tered about the fuselage, were condensed naval aviators were brought in to com- The XA4D Flies
into a single, cylindrical package, and ment on the cockpit design. Most were
Skyhawk BuNo. 137814. the second production model. first flew on 23 September 1956, a full two weeks ahead of schedule. This aircraft was later flown by test bolted to the forward end of the fuselage, pleased and little was added, although a On 22 June 1954, two years and one day
pilot Cal Shoemaker of the Douglas Test Division for stability testing. Douglas Aircraft Co via author saving another 501b (23kg) and signifi- subsequent rearrangement of gauges and after the contract was signed, Douglas test
cantly reducing manufacturing costs. A dials to improve instrument scan resulted pilot Bob O. Rahn, a former pilot with
new gun-sight, made by Douglas, also from their suggestions. Later in 1953, one the US Army A ir Corps (changed to the
matched AirResearch's one-third weight of the A4D airframes was removed from US Air Force in (947), piloted the XA4D-
savings, without compromising on quality the production line and used for static 1 on its first Right at Edwards AFB in
or performance. tests to confirm the prOjected strength and California. Lasting approximately 40
In October 1952, and after further eval- structural integrity of the airframe and minutes, Rahn's Right reached 15,000ft
uations by the avy's mock-up board, two land ing gear. (4,500m) before settling into the pattern
contracts were issued authorizing the Finally, in February 1954, the first A4D, and coming to rest on the lake bed after
manufacture of nineteen pre-production Bu o. 137812, was rolled out of the El a rather uneventful landing. Rahn
aircraft. Contrary to other contracts of the Segundo factory and was gi ven the official described the Right as 'excellent'. Despite
day, and probably due to Douglas's track name of 'Sky hawk,' following company the production delays, Rahn's Right was
record with carrier-based aircraft, the practice of naming all aircraft some varia- only four weeks behind schedule.
avy waived its usual requirement calling tion on 'sky'. As produced, the XA4D-1 These delays, however, were soon over-
for the construction of two experimental carried no armament and was fitted with a come. The initial production A4D, Bu o.
and one static test aircraft, thereby leaving large test probe on its nose. It also lacked 134813 made its first Right on schedule;
only the single XA4D-l Skyhawk, (Bu o. the two wing pylons and a taill'lOok assem- the second, Bu o. 134814, Rew on 23
1378(2) prototype. Douglas immediately bly. What resulted from Heinemann's September J 954, a full two weeks ahead
moved forward wi th a fixed production efforts was nothing less than astonishing. of schedule. In early January 1955, spin
rate using regular tooling, something that The A4D had a radar signature equal to testing began at Edwards, with test pilot
would ultimately allow the company to I/lOOth of the Navy specifications, con- Rahn noting 'excellent recovery charac-
turn out the first ten planes in the time tained one-third fewer parts than were typ- teristics in all cases'4
it would have normally taken to produce ically required for a 30,000lb class aircraft, Soon after the test Rights began, pilots
just one experimental aircraft. and had a combat cei Iing of nearly 50,OOOft began to notice a vibration in the tail at
Of course, no production goes as (15,OOOm). Maintenance was reduced by speeds in excess of 345mph (560km/h).
planned. Douglas did encounter delays, nearly 40 per cent and overhaul time was In an attempt to identify the cause, short
first from teething problems in the special cut by nearl y half. tufts of wool were attached to various
The clean lines of the early A-4 models are shown to good effect in this picture of an A-4B flown by Chuck machines developed to build the one-piece Also, with its three hardpoints, a total areas of the Skyhawk's aft fuselage and
Scott. R. S. DeGroat wing-spars. That alone created a delay of of 5,5001b (2,500kg) of external bombs or tail. Films were then taken to isolate the
24 25
'HEINEMANN'S HOT ROD' - TH DEVELOPMENT OF THE A-4
'HEINEMA N'S HOT ROD' - THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE A-4
26 27
THE SCOOTER OM - TO LIFE
CHAPTER TWO
Following the success of the XA40, A4D-l/A-4A engine. self- ealing fuel tank was posi-
contracts were immediately issued for tioned just behind the cockpit between
the 40-1 Skyhawk, with production the air inlet ducts. The forward fu elage
beginning in late 1954. Officially, the
Basic Fuselage Design was an all-metal semi-monocque construc-
Skyhawk was described as 'a jet-propelled, The kyhawk's design was based entirely tion, with heavy skin O.lOin(2.5mm u ed
singl -place monoplane with a modified on the concept of simplification. Overall, in the cockpit area. tiffners were not used
delta-planform wing' designed as a the basic airframe was conventional and to conserve space. All other surfaces were The MD-1 production line at
'h igh-performance, Iightweight day-attack was divided into three main a semblies - continuous skinned with O.64in (1.62mm) EI Segundo in 1956 shows
plane' capable of operating either from a forward fuselage, wing, and rear fuselage. steel. Skyhawks in various stages of
carrier or a shore base. Pilots who flew the In a somewhat innovative mann r, all Power for the A40-1 was provided by construction. At the far right,
cooter ay it was one of the most remark- mission equipment, including flight con- using the slightly more powerful J65-W-4B tail units await assembly with
able planes ever to fly '... the last true trols and wiring, were installed in each engin , with its 7, 0 Ib (3,540kg) 'MIL' forward fuselage sections.
pilot's air raft. Its simplistic design and thrust rating at sea-level static conditions. while at centre right. a wing
section before final a sembly.
section and forward fuselage
lack of redundant systems forced you to The Skyhawk's forward fu c1age con- The W -2, used in the XA 4 0, proved to be
await assembly. The
be alert and to make the aircraft fly'.5 tained the cockpit, avionics pack, and omewhat underpowered, and wa replaced
Skyhawks on the centre and
left rows have been spliced
and are receiving final
touches. Boeing Historical
Archives via Harry Gann
\. 7
A lone MD-1 from VA-113 wearing the marking of Air Group 11 'NH' sits on the tarmac at NAS lemoore.
The 'Stingers' received their first MDs on 29 April 1957. During their first Skyhawk cruise aboard USS A gentle bank by this MD-1 allows a good look at its underside and the three external hardpoints. When
Shangri-la (CVA 38) they provided support to the Republic of China during the Communist Chinese shelling designing the Skyhawk. Heinemann rejected the idea of an internal bomb-bay in order to save weight. It is
of the Quenoy Islands in late summer of 1958. US Navy via author estimated that this decision saved nearly 5,OOOlb (2,270kg). Boeing Co. via author
28 29
TI-I E SCOOTER COM ES TO LI FE THE SCOOTER OMES TO LIFE
units would later prove indispensable for A section of Alphas from VA-34 fly
Marine Corps kyhawks operating out of in this 1957 photo. The 'Blue
Chu Lai in outh Vietnam during 1965, Blasters', based at NAS Cecil Field,
where a full-length landing field was not transitioned to the A4D-1 in
January 1957 from the Vought F7U-3
operational until 1966.
Cutlass. The squadron did cross-
The rear fuselage was constructed on
deck operations with the HMS Ark
three major frames: one connected to
Royal in 1958 before flying missions
the rear wing spar; a second supported the in support of Operation Bluebat off
arresting gear loads; and the third con- Lebanon. VA-34 operated from USS
nected to the fin spar and housed the vari- Essex (CVA 91 during the Bay of
able incident tailplane connections. Only Pigs invasion and from USS
six bolts were used to connect the two Enterprise (CVAN 65) during the
fuselage sections at the wing spar. All rear Cuban Missile Crisis and Cuban
fuselage skin urfaces used a stiffened skin quarantine. US Navy via author
Co c1<.p it
Reflecting its 1950s design, the Skyhawk's
cockpit consisted mainly of conventional
gauge instrumentation for air peed, alti-
tude, attitude, and rate-of-c1imb. The left
console contained the navigation, gear
controls, and throttle controls and the
The MD-1 cockpit continues the simplicity sought by its designer, Ed Heinemann. right console contained the communica-
Some, including the Navy, criticized the design as being too small, but Douglas' tions, and lighting controls. The arresting
offer to remedy the situation met with no response. US Navy via author gear wa released from a small handle on
the right ide. Located immediately below The Nuclear Mission
the main instrumentation panel wa the The Skyhawk's first mission was to be a long-range, low-level nuclear
for production models. Interestingly, the fully opened at stall speed. Apart from armament panel, which provided a seven- delivery platform operating from a carrier base. For this mission, A-4 pilots
replacement con isted of the re-manufac- adversary aircraft or those used by the position selector switch, and station and trained constantly, both as new pilots going through the Replacement Air
tured engine from the Republic F-84F 'Blue ngels' flight demon tration team gunsight controls. This arrangement Group (RAGI. and in Fleet squadrons. Capt Otto Krueger, Commander of VA-
Thunderstreak. Given the Skyhawk's which had the slats locked in the 'up' posi- proved awkward as it forced the pilot to 125, the Pacific Fleet RAG 1969-1970, discussed the nuclear role and how it
modular construction, changing an engine tion to ensure they would not improperly look down into the cockpit to change was taught:
was a fairly easy procedure. Maintenance deploy when in low-level or formation switches and was subsequently modified in The nuclear mission was viewed as the Skyhawk's primary mission in the
crews could simply 'break' the fu elage in flight, the slats were always plainly visible the -M model, where the panel was moved late 1950s and early 1960s. Skyhawk pilots trained on this both in the RAGs and
two, permitting unobstructed access to the on static A-4s. Split wing flaps, located on dir ctly under the HUD. 'Special weapons' in their respective squadrons. RAG students practiced flying simulated nuclear
engine for repair and easy removal. This, the trailing edges, were hydraulically con- were controlled from the left console. strike profiles. For pilots of VA-44 on the east coast, a typical flight might see
apparently, was a result of the lessons trolled and could extend through 50 Th 'throttle and stick' design wa very them launch from NAS Cecil Field in Florida then fly north-east to a point off of
learned by the Douglas engineers who trav- degrees. straightforward. Located on the pilot's 1ft, the coast. Once there, the Skyhawks would turn around and cross the beach,
elled to Korea during mid-1952 to observe A tricycle undercarriage was used, with the throttle contained a radio microphone perhaps in the Carolinas or Georgia, flying the rest of the mission at low altitude,
maintenance problems. which for the A-4 was around 50ft. Pilots would then head to the Pine Castle
the main gear retracting forward and and peed brake switch on the inboard
Range and drop their practice load. For graduation, student pilots would fly
The wing section was fixed to the through 90 degrees into a recess ju I' below side and master exterior lights on th
similar, but longer, missions with a 'shape' representing the nuclear weapon.
forward fuselage with only ten bolts, yet the cockpit, The brak y tem was of a outboard. Four fuel flow position were Typical low-level nav hops for west coast RAG pilots would fly from NAS
more vidence of Heinemann's simplistic single-disc, spot type, and was operated by marked, designating 'off', 'idle', 'normal', Lemoore out to sea, crossing the beach inbound around Ukia in northern
design. The flight control surfaces were of applying pressure to the upper part of the and 'military'. Tension on the throttle California, over the Sierra Nevadas and a lot of desert country in Nevada or Utah
conventional d sign, with both leading rudder pedals. could be manipulated by a mall knob. before hitting their target at NAS Fallon. Because of the low altitudes flown for
and trailing edge flap, the latter evenly The tailor rear fuselage contained the The 'stick' contained only three control these missions, pilots considered them to be 'Iegalized flat-handing', and great
divided between split flaps and ailerons. engine tailpipe and a triangular rudder, - trim control, bomb release, and a fun!'
trim tab was provided on only the left with a fully adjustable, electronically oper- gun/rocket trigger. A 'select' witch was On these missions, pilots relied on dead-reckoning navigation using strip
aileron. The leading edge slats comprised ated horizontal tabilizer. A standard provided to prevent rockets from firing maps. Missions were flown at precise airspeeds and heading from one
about 70 per cent of the wing and were rudder was used and was the only flight while operating the guns. checkpoint to the next, using a stopwatch to determine the time to turn to
design d to improve airflow characteristics control surface not to feature a constant The co kpit enclosure was a fixed, thr e- the next leg. 'You would basically fly at X speed for X minutes, then turn X
over the wings at high angles of attack, chord. A pair of flush-mounted speed piece windshield with a hinged 'clamshell' degrees'. Interestingly, at the appropriate speed, which was between For its nuclear role, the Skyhawk included a canopy thermal shield designed to protect
specifically during take-off and approa h. brakes were affixed to the aft fuselage for canopy. The two side windshield panels 489-517mph (792-837km/hl pilots could trace around the edge of a nickel on pilots from the effects of a nuclear blast while they left the target area. When using the
These slats opened and closed automati- deceleration, to which Rocket/Jet Assisted were constru ted of moulded plastic, while their maps and match the Skyhawk's turning radius precisely. When the shield, pilots flew their A-4s on instruments only. The shields were eventually phased
Charlies arrived, limited radar usage allowed pilots to locate significant out in the mid-1960s as the Skyhawk abandoned the nuclear mission for its conventional
cally, depending on aerodynamic forces, at Take-Off (R/JATO) bottle would later the flat portion was made of alternate lay-
landmarks. Krueger noted that determining where you were was hard at one. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
speed below 230mph 075km/h) and were be attached for short-field take-offs. These ers of glass and vinyl, thereby providing the
30 37
---- - - ---------
- ---
THE SCOOT R COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
that speed and altitude. 'When you looked out ahead of you at that (6,080m) and flying away from the target for bomb blast separation. Another A-4M Antennae
speed, you really couldn't make out a landmark or turn point unless it had method was referred to as the 'idiot loop', and relied on a high speed, low-
some verticality. You had to look out your side window to find your level assault, with the pilot pulling up into a 4g Immelmann directly over the The vast array of antennas found on the A-4M typified the advancements in Most of the remaining antennas are for electronics and countermeasures,
landmarks.'? target. This bombing technique was also called the 'timed, high-angle design from the A-4A in 1956. Navigation-oriented antennas include the ARA- including the ALR-45(V) and ALR-50(VI L-band RHAW, the ARW-67, and the
Given today's ballistic missile submarine force and intercontinental land- release', and was basically identical to the loft with the exception that the 631LS, APN-154(V) radar beacon, ARN-118(V) TACAN, APN-153!V) Doppler ALQ-126 low/medium/high-band radar warning antennas. Antenna is for the
based missiles, it is easy to forget that in the 1950s, the sole delivery pitch angle was greater than 90 degrees. The target itself was used as the antenna, ARA-50 UHF-AoF directional homing beacon, and the APN-194 radar APX-72 IFF.
systems were large bombers and the attack planes aboard the Navy's IP (Initial Point). with the pull-up occurring only a short distance beyond the altimeter antenna. Communications groupings are the ARC-159(V) UHV radio
aircraft carriers. Indeed, the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SlOP) target. This delivery release pitches the bomb back towards the target and the ARC-114/114A VHF radio).
called for both to be major players in any nuclear war; and when situations above the airplane's turning path.
developed that called for the US to deploy its nuclear forces. In either Loft or 'toss' bombing used an initial landmark point to mark the
event, the carriers would be required to take up positions in the beginning of the bombing run, pressing the bomb release button (pickle) and
Mediterranean Sea and the western Pacific ready to launch strikes into the holding it. The pilot would then travel a predetermined distance or time
heart of the Soviet Union. interval (set before take-off). begin his pull-up, and the computer would
Most pilots who flew Skyhawks during those years recognized that such handle the preset angle release. The loft method, especially when using a
a mission might well have been a one way trip. Capt Walter E. Ohlrich, Jr. medium-angle loft, allowed for the greatest aircraft-to-weapon separation at
recalls the psyche of this mission: the moment of burst. The final method was known as 'lay-down' and
featured a low-level (usually 50-100ft/15-30m) dash at about 575mph
To those of us who flew the A-4 in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War,
(930km/hl to the target, with the bomb dropped directly overhead. The
how could we ever forget the nuclear mission in which the A-4 played a maior
charge was fitted with a special head, referred to as a 'cookie cutter' that
role. We would each draw a target folder, then plan the mission and be ready to
dug the bomb in and prevented it from tumbling. To allow an escape, a
fly it. In VA-46 on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, we also stood alert, in flight gear, in
timer was used for detonation.
the ready room at sea and in port. This included sitting around in Poopy suits in
The AJB-3 LABS allowed for loft bombing and was designed to
winter. You would help pre-flight your plane and bomb on the hangar deck and
automatically release the nuclear 'shape', tossing it high enough to permit
then wait to go on the longest flight of your life. We were told that if you
the A-4 to escape the bomb's blast. Pilots could choose one of two
survived the trip to the target, survived the nuclear blast and managed to leave
predetermined release angles for the LABS prior to flight for use in any of
the target area, you were to bailout over mountains in the Balkans if no tanker
three delivery modes. For loft bombing, or 'timed low-angle release', the
was available. Wow - sounded like a one way trip to me!'
bomb is automatically released at a pitch angle less than 90 degrees. Using
To accommodate this, several techniques were developed for the delivery the 'over-the-shoulder', or 'timed high-angle release', the bomb would be
of nuclear weapons by A-4s. released at an angle greater than 90 degrees. Instantaneous 'over-the-
In order to assure the accuracy necessary to hit critical Soviet targets, shoulder' bombing used no timed period and the release angle was the
Skyhawks were required to get as close to their targets as possible One same as for the timed 'over-the-shoulder' release. Pilots using the loft
such method was known as the 'high altitude delivery', which involved manoeuvre would often perform a Cuban Eight or Wing-Over manoeuvre
diving from 35,OOOft (10,668m) or more, then releasing at about 20,OOOft following delivery of the charge.
32 33
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
pilot with a bullet-resistant surface. ock- Oxygen for the pilot was provided via a para-raft kit and seat pan, and used an
pit ide-panels were defrosted with hot air new positive pressure, demand-type, oxy- integral harness. The eat was jettisoned
from the aircraft's air-conditioning system, gen sy tem. For A4Ds with Bu os prior to by pulling the seat face curtain
while the bullet-re istant centre panel was 139919, a gaseous suppl y system was used.
warmed through electrical means. Aircraft after Bu o. 139919 utilized a liq-
For the kyhawk' nuclear mission, an uid upply sy tem fed from an in ulated Communications and NaVigation
extendable thermal shield was provided to tank mounted to the aft fuselage. Both
protect pilot against the nuclear flash fol- systems were used in conjunction with the The major units of the communications
lowing the delivery of a nuclear weapon. Type A-l3A facemask, which itself used a and navigation. ystem were contained in
With the thermal shield extended, the novel harness-mounted oxygen regulator a cylindrical-shaped integrated electronics
pilot was left to navigate to the final instead of the standard cockpit-mounted package located in the kyhawk's nose
release point and away from the target control. According to maintenance per- section just forward of the cockpit. Unlike
solely on his instruments. Krueger com- sonnel, problems with the masks were standard aircraft of the day, this pa kage
mented, 'We didn't train a lot with the experienced in the initial A4D-1 models isolated all major pieces of equipment and
shields, but figured we'd use them if the while operating at high altitudes, which could be quickly removed - some contend
time came,9 These shields were prevalent necessitated sending the mask units back in as little as a few minutes - for repair
among early model Skyhawks, but disap- to the factory for reworking. or replacement. All electronics were
peared sometime around 1965. This The ejection seat was a creation of connected to the main fuselage through a
reflects the shift in the Skyhawk's mission Douglas's and Imer became known as the single cable connector
from one of a nuclear strike aircraft to a 'Escapac'. A lightweight design, it accom- For radio communications, the A4D-1
conventionally oriented attack aircraft. modated a back-type parachute, a PK- 3 carried the AN/ARC-27 A UHF two-way
This A40-1 from VA-44 appears with some of its ordnance. From left to right are: 150 US gallon (568 litre I
drop tank, Mk 84 bomb, Mk 82 bomb, Mk 83 bomb, Mk 12 nuclear bomb. Mk 8 nuclear bomb. 300 US gallon
(1,1351itrel drop tank. Mk 91 nuclear bomb. RCPP-105 external power unit, Aero 60 rocket pod, 150 US
gallon drop tank. US Navy via author
An unusual combination of three US Marine Corps Skyhawks on the line. The left is a VMA-211 A40-1. A line of A40-1s run the port edge of the carrier deck during what must be one of the earliest Alpha deployments.
followed by a VMA-311 A40-2 and a VMA-211 A40-2N. Clay Janson via author US Navy via author
34 35
THE SCOOTER COME TO LIFE
radio. Operating in the 225 to 399 mega- nally mounted avPac. A five-position The wing pylons, numbers one and three,
cycle frequency range, the ARC-27 A IFF ('off, 'stdby', 'low', 'norm', 'emer- were rated at 1,2001b (545kg) each, and
could transmit or receive using the same gency') was provieled by the APX-6B IFF featured two-hook ejection racks limited A4D-2jA-4B design. At first, the engineer experi- nearing the enel of its operational career.
transponder and A PA-89 identification to 14in (35cm) suspension. men ted by add ing the refuell ing probe While the A3D was large and sufficient
antenna on any of l,750 channels. A total
coeler and operated on a simple 'challenge A total of 165 A4D-ls were built with Even before deliveries of the 4D-I were beneath the starboard wing just outboard room remained for the hose and reel, the
of twenty channels could be preset.
anel reply' basis. All navigation and the model eeing service in eighteen US completed, plans were being elrawn for the of the undercarriage fairing. That location kyhawk's diminutive size made internal
A 'guard' pre et was adeled beginning
communications equipment were limited avy and Marine Corps squadrons. The follow-on A4D-2 that woulel improve the was subsequently changed to the starboard incorporation of such a system impossible
with Bu o. 137 32. Manual frequency
to line-of-sight range. V -72 'Blue Hawks', an East oast squad- kyhawk's range and upgrade its naviga- fuselage nose for production models, with without ruining its most precious attrib-
selection was accomplished by three dial,
Armament was simple. Two forward- ron that previously operated F9F Panthers, tional systems. In fact, production of the the probe adeling less than a foot to the ute. Heinemann's solution was to add the
with the outer dial controlling the first
firing Colt Mk \2 Moel 0 2 mm cannons were the fir t avy squadron to receive D4-2 began parallel with that of the aircraft's overall length. capability externally; hence, the D-704.
two digits, the middle dial controlling
were nestled in each wing-root complete the A4D-I was V -72 'Blue Hawk '; and 4D-1. The two principal modifications At about the same time as the refuelling Rumour holds that this elesign was
the third digit, and the innermost dial
with 10 rounds of ammunition for each VMA-2l1 'Wake Island Avengers' affecting range were the aeldition of an in- probe experiments, Ed Heinemann devel- sketched by Heinemann on a napkin.
selecting the eligits to the right of the
gun housed in rotating drums to ease became the first U Marine Corps unit. flight refuelling apability, and increasing oped the D-704 buddy-store which, when sing a hose and drogue assembly and
decimal point. VHF radio communica-
fe ding and minimize potential for gun The first West oast squadron to receive the external fuel carriage by the addition mounted to the Skyhawk's centreline sta- itself carrying 300 US gallons (1,135
tions using the RN-14E omni-range
jams. The Mk 12 guns, although limited the aircraft was VA-93 'Blue Blazers' who of 300 US gallon (1,135 litre) Aero-I drop tion, allowed for the refuelling of other air- litl'es) of fuel, the Skyhawk could now
radio could be attained by adding an
in their ammunition capacity, could fire also made the A4D-l's first cruise aboard tanks. This factor was significant, because craft at the off-load transfer rate of 200 serve in the tanker role for other aircraft.
external navigation package (NavPac)
simultaneously at the rate of 1,000 rounds U S Ticonderoga in eptember 1957. with all three pylons sporting 300 US S gallons (755 litres) per minute. This The D-704 permitted the -4 to transfer
mounted on the centre pylon.
per minute in short bursts. Of all the When the A D-l were phased out of fleet gallon tanks, a total of 1,695 U gallons system was developed in response to the all external fuel and half of its internal
avigation equipment included the
kyhawk's sy tems, few have recei ved as operations, some used for replacement (6,410 litres) of usable fuel could be avy's suggestion that Douglas explore fuel load for a total off-load capability of
A IARA-2S automatic direction finder
much criticizm a the cannons. orne have training were redesignated as T A-4As, a carried. modifying both the kywarrior and 1,300 US gallons (4,920 litres). By u ing
anel the -2 gyro yn compass system. The
commented that the guns were an after- move which some have proposed occurred Externally, the A4D-2 differed from it kyhawk to add in-flight refuelling capa- a small impeller, the D-704 provided it
AR -12 marker beacon, which allowed a
thought and this seems to be borne out to reduce the apparent attack inventory so predecessor by the in tallation of the refu- bilities. The 1avy fully appreciated the own power source independent of the
pilot to check the aircraft's relative posi-
by company documents which show that that more aircraft could be procured for the elling probe anel the incorporation of the fact that a replacement was neeeleel as the aircraft for the pump anel hose reel line.
tion by referencing a specifieel beacon
it was not until Bu os 137817, 137 32 war in Vietnam. so-called 'inside-out' or 'tad-pole' rudder fleet's primary tanker, the A J avage, was According to reports, an A-4 with this
station, coulel also be carried in the exter-
36 37
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
38 39
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
40 47
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOT R COMES TO LIFE
Only two squadrons flew the A-4B in Vietnam; VA-15 and VA-95 aboard USS Intrepid ICV 11). These two Bravos, piloted by lt Cdr G. l. Sagehorn USN, and lt Bill
lams USNR, are en route to the Thanh Hoa Bridge in September 1966. Capt Walter Ohlrich USN Ret
A ground view of MD-2 BuNo. 175538 displaying its straight refuelling probe. Two 150 US gallon (568 litre) fuel tanks hang from stations one and three and a
navigation package (NAVPAC) hangs from the centreline station. The NAVPAC contained an AN/ARN-14E omni-range receiver for directional homing and an
AN/ARN-12 marker beacon receiver. Both were helpful for cross-country flights where TACAN navigation was unavailable. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
7Z
---- - ~~~=---~~::::::::J
~~::::':;~::- ~-
--
-- -
This A-4B, seen at lakehurst in 1972, has a '7Z' tail code, which means it belongs to a Reserve Air Wing. An A-4B from VA-12 aboard USS Essex (CV 9) sits with a 'shape' on the tarmac at a gunnery meeting at NAF EI Centro. Its fighter counterpart, the Douglas F40
Stephen H. Miller via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd Skyray sits off behind the Skyhawk's nose. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
42 43
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SOOTER COMES TO LIFE
A-4Bs flew with many of the anti-submarine carriers. such as the Skyhawk pictured here belonging to USS Kearsage (CVS 331. Armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-
to-air missiles. these Skyhawks provided combat air patrol for the air group's Trackers and Tracers. Featured here is a VA-23 A-4B from CVSG-53.
US Navy via Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
The Mk 11 pod-mounted gun became operational in 1959 and offered Skyhawk pilots a step-up from their
internal Mk 12 cannons. Developed by industrialist/flier Howard Hughes, the Mk 11 fired 4,000 rounds per
minute and was used primarily for ground-attack missions. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
was introduced and rhe ASW mission was A4D-3 Altitude Bombing System (LABS), a
consolidared wirh rhe large deck carrier. terrain clearance radar, and an angle-of-
Firsr flown by Douglas test pilot Drury The A4D-3 represented a Douglas design atta k indicating system, still retained the
Wood on 26 March 1956, service deliv- intended to satisfy a 1957 Navy require- less powerful J65 engine.
eries of the A4D-2 to the Marine Corps men t for a new 'srare-of-rhe-art' Iigh t
(VMA-21I) began in September J957, attack aircrafr capable of travelling greater
ami to the avy (VA-12) at A Cecil disrances rhrough adverse weather and A4D-2N/A-4C
Ficld, Florida in February 1958. VA- J 2 rerrain. Douglas proposed rhe addirion of
flew the initial squadron test flight with new avionics to meet the all-weather The introduction of the A4D-2 , later
the new 300 U gallon (1,135 lirre) requirement and sub tirurion of the more redesignated the A-4C in 1962, saw some
external fuel tanks and also pioneered efficient Pratt & Whirney J52 engine in of rhe mosr ignificant upgrades to the
night-rime air-to-air refuelling using the place of rhe Wrighr J65 (being developed ba cline kyhawk, complere wirh the
D-704. for the Grumman -6A Inrruder). revamping of approximarely J 5 per cent
Over its producrion run, a total of 542 nfortunately for rhe avy, rhe design of rhe aircrafr's srructure. A primary
Navy and Marine Corps were built. As wirh rhe A4D-Is, many of never made ir pa t the mock-up stage. impetus for the A-4C was rhe avy' late
Skyhawks are parked on the rhe A4D-2s were relegated to training While orders were let for development of 195 requirement for greater range and
ramp at MCAS Yuma. Arizona roles with the Reserve quadrons and four of the e varianrs and BuNos reserved an all-wearher, adverse terrain capabiliry,
during the Fourth Annual Naval redesignated T A-4Bs, alrhough no phy - for ix more, rising co t as ociated wirh which had led Douglas to pursue rhe A4D-
Air Weapons Meet in December 3 variant in rhe firsr insrance.
ical changes were made to rhe aircrafr. rhe new avionics and rhe new engine
1959. In addition to the
Irhough ome T A-4As did serve with ultimately led ro its cancellation. What Many of the technologic supporting rhe
Skyhawks, a squadron of
the Reserves, the programme did not resulred from this, however, was a compro- 4D-3 were adopred by rhe A4D-2 IA-
Chance Vought F-B Crusaders
appear in the back row. Boeing really garher steam until the T A-4B was mise, the A4D-2 (A-4C), which, while 4 design, and, rogeth I' with improved
Historical Archives via Harry Gann introduced into the reserve ranks. adding a sophisri ated autopilot, a Low- avionics, gave the Skyhawk its first, albeit
44 45
THE SCOOTER OMES TO LIFE THE SOOTER COMES TO LIFE
This cutaway drawing of the A-4C reveals several interesting features. Most notable is the three
spar wing design with 560 US gallon (2,120 litrel integral fuel tank, or 'wet wing' design. Fuel was
also stored in a 240 US gallon (908 litrel fuselage tank located between the cockpit and engine.
Also interesting are the innovative inlet ducts, one on each side of the fuselage, through which air
flowed to the J65-W-16A engine. A long cylindrical tailpipe can be seen stemming aft from the
engine. The nose cone section reveals the compact APG-53A radar immediately in front of the
AN/ASO-17 integrated electronics package. The nose cone is hinged to open upward. Visible just
aft of the canopy is the AN/ARC-27A UHF radio antenna, with the cylinder behind it being the
fuselage tank fill cap. via Harry Gann
limited, all-weather, night-attack capabil- an interesting piece of gear. The radar was I wm, leauing a uivision of A-4Cs to join with a
ity. Key to these avionics upgrade was suppa ed to help pilots to find targets while night of Spaus (A-Is) in hitting a narrow roau
the Westinghouse APG-53A terrain- performing nuclear strikes in bad weather choke-point in the mounmins on the 110 Chi
clearance radar, which had been specially or with the thermal hood up. Few Vietnam- Minh trail. We had to ny south of the DMZ
designed by the US Navy Avionics facility era pilots remember ever using it and some then north in Th"i1and and L"os, since we
in Indianapoli , Indiana. This remarkably units got rid of the radar for weight and weren't allowed to ny across North Vietnam,
lightweight radar, weighing only 90lb maintenance reasons. As for the terrain- although we hau already been bombmg them.
(40.8kg), operated in four mode', provid- clearance radar - pilot commented that it After tanking, we were ",pposed to proceed anu
ing ba ic search, air-to-ground ranging, was 'really too simple to fly that way'l rende:vous at the target with the Spads - who
and two terrain-clearance modes (plan/ kyhawk pilots flying night recce missions had launcheu a couple hours earlier. The A-I s
profile). 0 fire-control radar features were in Vietnam rarely relied on the APG-53A. were to crarer the road, while the A-4s were to
provided. The radar had a total range of 40 However, use of radar was typically a split into sections and drop CBUs on both "des.
miles (65km) and an elevation of +10 to squadron-by-squadron decision. 'I n VA- The weather was lerrible ... rain ... low ceil- The APG-53 Radar
-15 degree off level flight. To accommo- 94' Capt Krueger explained, 'we tried to ing ... low viz; there \\'a~ no way for L1~ to know
date the radar and additional electronics/ use it where possible and we had mainte- where we were at visually. I turned on my APC-
The Westinghouse APG-53A radar was added to the A-4 to provide a limited Mode Short Long
avionics, the nose was lengthened by 9in all-weather, terrain-clearance radar system to help pilots navigate through SRCH 20 miles/32.2km 40 miles/64.4km
nance people trained on fixing it'.14 S3 and started lIsing it~ terrain clearance mode,
(22.9cm), a feature that distinguished the bad weather and mountainous terrain. Incorporated with the A-4C model, TIC 10 miles/16km 20 miles/32.2km
Indeed, Krueger recalls one mission over trying to smy ahove the lOpS of the mountains.
the APG-53A required a small modification of the nose cone in order to NG 15,OOOyd/13,716m 15,OOOyd/13,716m
A4D-Z from earlier models. Laos in 1965 where the APG-53A became We new for what seemed like forever and I was accommodate the system, and, thus, provides an easy way of distinguishing The NG mode required a 10 degree or better dive before surface lock-on
According to pilots, the APG-53A was a life-saver: ~llrc we were in China, but we prc>.,scd Oil, try' the Charlie from the earlier A-4A and -B. could be achieved.
Search and mapping capabilities were provided for navigational purposes In search mode, vertical beam width measured approximately 5 degrees
and two modes of terrain-clearance for obstacle avoidance in the azimuth or with a 60 degree azimuth and could be scanned up or down. Targets
elevation plane. Although an air-to-ground slant range mode for weapons appeared on the scope as bright yellow-green spots; surfaces such as
1962 Aircraft Redesignation delivery was provided, there was no automatic fire control system. Dperating water appeared darker. The result was a map-like display that was linear in
on a 115-vac, 3-phase, 400-cps power, the APG-53A had four operations range but distorted in azimuth by a factor inversely proportional to range.
On 18 September 1962, the US military adopted a new system of designating Using this new system, the AD Skyraider became the A-1, the A J modes: standby, search, terrain-clearance, and slant range. B-scope presen- Terrain-clearance plan mode provided information for avoiding an
aircraft, based to some extent on that used by the US Air Force. The Savage became the A-2, the A3D became the A-3 Skywarrior, and the MD tation was utilized for the search mode, while slant range mode presented as obstacle laterally, by going around it, profile mode permitted pilots to avoid
change, said to have occurred because Defense Secretary Robert S. Skyhawk became the A-4, with the following sub-designations or models: a vertical sweep range bar. In the terrain-clearance mode, the B-scope pre- it horizontally, by going over the top. By using the plan and profile modes in
McNamara had become confused when discussing the F4D Skyray and the sentation was used for 'plan' (looking level along the flight pathlo and the comparison, pilots could evaluate whether they wished to change either
MD-1 A-4A
F4H Phantom, brought all services under a uniform designation standard. E-scope presentation used for 'profile' (looking at the obstacle's profilel. their heading or their altitude to avoid the upcoming obstacle. When in the
MD-2 A-4B
Prior to that time the Navy used a system whereby the first letter Located on the right-hand console (except for aircraft reworked per A-4 NG mode, the scope depicted the distance to the ground directly ahead of
MD-3 (not producedl
designated the class, the number represented the plane's number in the AFC 387, which was on the left), the control panel contained an elevation the aircraft. As the bar line moved from the top of the display down to the
series, and the last number designated the numerical sequence with that
MD-4 (not produced I
MD-2N A-4C switch, mode selector, angle-of-attack compensation toggle, and an aural- aircraft's relative position marker, the ground became closer. A-4 aircraft
mission. 'A' stood for 'attack: 'F' stood for 'fighter: and so forth. Thus, the tone warning volume control. Manual elevation was possible from +10 to reworked per AFC 318 (incorporating the Walleye capabilityl, contained an
designation MD-1 meant that the Skyhawk aircraft was the fourth 'attack' MD-5 A-4E
-15 degrees with respect to the zero elevation position. APG-53B, which offered a television mode for Walleye guidance. Other
aircraft manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company, first numerical The A-4D designation was skipped to avoid possible confusion with the A two-position range selector switch provided long and short range, aircraft, reworked per A-4 AFC 395, used an IP-906A (Sonyl television scope
sequence in the mission. earlier MD designation. which depended on the mode being used. in place of the APG-53A radar scope.
46 47
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE TH
This A-4C production line Visible in this photo is the windshield wiper
photograph from the Douglas installed on the A-4C model. Here, a Skyhawk is
Palmdale plant highlights the towed to a catapult on USS Hornet (CVS 121. LI Cdr
extended nose-cone which Rick Burgess USN ReId
contains the APG-53A radar.
Boeing Historical Archives via
ing [0 keep track of our altitude and make ,ure
Harry Gann
we weren't going ro hit the hdb. I wa, thinking
'we'll ne\'er find those pads"
Just then I looked off [0 the right and saw a
hreak, then a road, and figured, 'thi:-, 1ll11:'lt he il'.
When we pulled out of the overcast we were
right in a valley and there were the Spad" ju"
where they were ,uppmed [0 he. The two ,ec-
tions nfSkyhawks [Ook the hdl, on either "de of
the mad with the CB s [0 keep down any AAA
'IS the pad, [Ook out the madway with homhs.
Timing and coordination worked like a charm!
But without that radar [0 keep us above the hill
[01" we would have never found the Spack';
48 49
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
This power problem was later cured by 4Cs saw the bulk of the early action in SAF, now eparated from the Army, in
the -E and -F models. Vietnam, serving with twenty-nine avy the close air upport role, the Army was
The A-4C was produced in the larg t attack and eleven Marine Corps VMA looking for its own aircraft to fill that slot,
number, with some 63 eventually pro- quadrons over the course of the war. Two and one that could perform the job in
duced for the avy and Marine orps, squadrons, VA-12 and VA-72 aboard US unimproved forward-operating areas.
and, at it high point, equipped some ShangJ';-La, continued to fly the A-4C as Douglas quickly responded to that need
twenty-three avy and nine Marine Corps late a 1970. by taking two A4D-2 s, Bu os 14 483
squadrons. Initial fleet deliveries were and 148490, and modifying them to Army
made to Marine quadron VMA-225 at requirements. These modification, under-
M A herry Point, outh Carolina, in The Army Looks at taken at the El Segundo factory, included
March 1960, and to VA-In in May, the 'Hawk' revising the landing gear to add twin main
repla ing their older FJ-4B Furies. Inter- wheels for better hand ling on rough
estingly, the A-4C was the first Skyhawk Of particular interest to the -C model was ground, constructing modified underwing
model to be built at the new Douglas fac- Douglas's promotion of a modified A4D- fairings, and the installation of a 24ft
tory at Long Beach, and was the model in 2N for the US Army's 1961 close air (7.3m) diameter drag chute taken from
production when the DoD announced its support contract, called the Model 840. the Douglas A3D Skywarrior. These revi-
aircraft redesignation system in 1962. A- Due to a growing la k of interest by the sions were accomplished in just two weeks.
A member of VA-46 squadron from NAS Cecil Field poses with typical Skyhawk jet, which delivered ,3001b (3,76 kg)
ordnance. Included in this arsenal are standard 20mm ammunition. Mk 80 series thrust at 'MIL' (102 per cent) and 7,4001b
2501b. 500lb, and 1.000lb bombs, Zuni rockets, AGM-12 Bullpups. AIM-9 (3,360kg) thrust at 100 per cent. This
Sidewinders, 2.75in rockets, and Mk 84 2,000lb bombs. On the Skyhawk are 300 provided more than enough power to
US gallon (1,135 litre) fuel tanks and a buddy-store. US Navy via Aerospace
compensate for the increased weight of
Publications
the upgrade. Indeed, weight wa now
becoming less significant with the advent
of refuelling brought on by the A4D-2
and as engines became more powerful and
efficien t. The W -20 increased the
Skyhawk's rate-of-climb to nearly 7,500ft
(2,330m) per minute and overall range to
1,139 miles 0, 45km). Although this
engine hailed a significant improvement
over the W - J 6, it was still considered by
Vietnam pilots to be an under-powered
airframe. Lt John G. Kuchinski, a signed
to VA-94 aboard U Hancock in 1967
observed:
50 51
I -- - - - - -- - - - - - --- - -
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
Marine Corps A-4 Carrier Deployments (courtesy Mike Weeks) Camp titors for this contract included the
Squadron Aircrah Modex Carrier/Air Wing Cruise Deployment Dates orthrop N-lS6 (predecessor to th F-S)
and the Fiat G-91. Neither of these
VMA-225 A4D-2 AK5xx CVA-9/CVG-1O MED 08/07/59 - 02/26/60
VMA-224 A4D-2 WK8x CVA-62/CVG-7 MED2 08/04/60 - 03/03/61
competing proposals was specially modi-
VMA-121 A4D-2 VK88xx CVA-43/CVG-15 WESTPAC3 09/19/60 - OS/27/61 fied for the fly-off.
VMA-324 A4D-2 DX6xx CVA-43/CVG-15 WESTPAC' 09/19/60 - OS/27/61 After a nine and a half week, Army-
VMA-225 A4D-2N AK6xx CVA-38/CVG-10 MED 02/02/61 - 05/15/61 pon ored evaluation, ome of which
VMA-311 A4D-2 WL8x CVA-41/CVG2 WESTPAC 02/15/61 - 09/28/61 took place near Pensacola and A
VMA-225 A-4C CExx CVAN-65/CVG-6 CARIBBEAN5 10/18/62 - 12/08/62 Jack onville, no contracts were issued, in
VMA-324 A-4B AG5xx CVA-62/CVG-7 MED 08/06/63 - 03/04/64 part due to the Army's decision to refocus
H&MS-32 A-4B DA40x Det.1 CVS-9/CVSG-60 MED 10/01/63 - 12/23/63 its efforts on attack hel icopters and the
VMA-214 A-4B WK8x Del. N CVS-12/CVSG-57 WESTPAC 10/09/63 - 04/15/64 Air Force' agreement to re-evaluate its
VMA-331 A-4E AJ5xx CVA-59/CVW-8 MED 07/10/64 - 03/13/65
position on close air support. During these
VMA-223 A-4C WP8x Del. T CVS-10/CVSG-55 WP/SEA 10/23/64 - 05/17/65
H&MS-15 A-4C YV8x Del. N CVS-12/CVSG-57 WP/SEA 08/12/65 - 03/23/66
tests, the Skyhawk performed well,
VMA-324 A-4E AG3xx CVA-62/CVW-7 MED 06/13/66 - 02/01/71 defeating both competitors in the landing
VMA-331 A-4E AG3xx CVA-62/CVW-7 MED 06/23/70 - 01/31/71 competition, and scoring a 'tic' in the
take-off phase, despite the N-156's after-
burner. Interestingly, this decision by the
Air Force to review the close air support
role ultimately led to the development of
the A-1O Thunderbolt II, which rose to
fame in the 1991 Gulf War.
52 53
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
THE SCOOTER COM - TO LIFE
Two VA squadrons provided the bulk of Skyhawk pilots for the fleet. VA-44, the fleet were amassing 25ll-300 missions as Lieutenants on their first and
located at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, trained all east coast A-4 pilots and VA- second cruises. There were a lot of these guys, like Tom Brown, 'Boot' Hill, Jim
125, at NAS Lemoore, California, trained the west coast pilots. In the early Busey and a nllmber of others, who would go on to become Admirals."
years, the Grumman TF-9 filled this role. As more A-4s became available
Capt Thomas Mariner was another Skyhawk pilot familiar with the training
with the newer models entering the fleet, TA-4A/B aircraft made their way
command and how the A-4 impacted that community:
into the training command. A major impetus behind the two-seat TA-4E/F
design was the need for a new weapons and tactics trainer for the Principally, the Skyhawk was a Navy plane. When a flight student strapped it on,
Skyhawk community. Deliveries of this model, which possessed the same and that is what you did with the tight cockpit of a Scooter, you knew you were
weapons capability as the single-seat Skyhawks, began on 19 May 1966 to at last a real part of naval aviation. Not some little safe trainer like the T-34 or T-
VA-125. With the success of the TA-4F, orders soon came in for a new 2. Men had fought and died (and were still doing so when I first flew TA-4s1 from
dedicated trainer version without a weapons capability, which was dubbed the decks of carriers in the A-4. It was a large aircraft for a trainer, sitting well
the TA-4J. off the ground as you taxied, with room enough under its wings for bombs. The
Without question, the methodology and substance of the RAG syllabus aircraft excelled at Navy missions of bombing, strafing, carrier landings and air
changed drastically with the coming of the Vietnam War in 1965: combat maneuvering. The skills learned in the Skyhawk were directly translated
to one's future jobs in strike warfare.
When the Vietnam War started we were still training the kids based on Korean
The aircraft was relatively simple, but had some characteristics which could
War tactics. And when they got over to Vietnam, everything was a surprise. We
kill you if you ignored NATOPS INaval Aviation Training and Operational
simply weren't teaching them what they needed to know. But, as we learned, as
Standard]. So the A-4 was a perfect transition between the trainers of earlier
the word came back from the war, we modified our syllabus and started doing a
stages and the Fleet aircraft in a student's future. I do not think I ever met a
great deal better. We would go out and meet the guys coming home and ask
Navy pilot that regretted a moment he or she spent in the A-4, even the moments
them, 'what have you been doing?' and they'd tell us and we'd incorporate that
that scared the hell out of you. 20
into the syllabus. When 1968 and 1969 came around, the people that we were
turning out knew how to do everything that the fleet units were doing on Yankee
For the Marine Corps, Skyhawk pilots were trained with VMAT-101 and
Station. These guys were much better going out than we were. Clearly, passing
VMAT-102 as well as VMT-203.
on what worked made us all better. And that shouldn't be a surprise. The guys in
An A-4C from VA-172 'Blue Blots' refuels an RF-8A from VFP-62 over the Gulf of Tonkin in 1966. The squadron made eleven deployments with the A-4, including two
Vietnam cruises. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
VA-125 served as the west coast A-4 RAG until handing over its duties to VA-I27 in 1970. US Navy via author
The wing vortex generators fitted to prevent the 'wing drop' problem are clearly visible on the outer wing
sections of this A-4E. Boeing Company via author.
54 55
- - - - - --- - -
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COM S TO LIFE
VA-144 went to Vietnam in October 1969 with CVW-5 aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 311 and.
together with its two sister squadrons VA-22 and VA-94. spent ninety-seven days on the line. During that
time. the squadron lost one aircraft to combat. The 'Roadrunners' returned to the Gulf of Tonkin in 1970, this
time flying the A-4F, and spent 101 days on the line with no combat losses. US Navy via author
were to the engine and avionics - the -E climb was an impressive 8,750ft (2,71001) LA BS was also upgraded to AJ B- 3A stan-
saw the introduction of the 8,5001b per minute and its combat radius/mission dards. An improved ejection scat, the
(3,860kg) thrust Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6 time increased to 610 miles (988km) and Escapac IA-I, was also added, wh ich per-
twin-spool turbojet originally planned for 215 hours. mitted ejection at zero airspeed/ground
the cancelled A4D-3. This required some Taken together, these twO factors level (zero-zero), ground level at 103.5mph
redesign of the forward fuselage to allow it served to increase overall range by nearly (167km/h) with a 45 degree roll, inverted
to accept the new engine and a modified 27 per cent to approximately 1,400 miles flight e,cape at heights above 320ft (99m)
in let face. The J 52, the same core engi ne as (2,270km) with one ton of ordnance, and and speeds over 103.5mph, and wings-
found in the Grumman A-6A, was tested to allow the addition of two additional level ejection impact at speeds where the
in two A4D-2Ns (Bu O' 14613 and outboard wing pylons, numbers one and rate of de 'cent was less than 2,000ft
14 1 6(4) that had been converted while five, and rated at 570lb (25 kg) carriage. (62 01) per minute. The 'zero-zero' capa-
still on the production line to serve as YA- These additional hardpoints came at some bility greatly enhanced a pilot's chances of
4E prototype. This engine was not only cost, however, as the wing structure had a safe ejection during launch malfunctions.
lighter than the J65, it was 'ignificanrly to be reinforced. Yet, the added flexibility ot commonly reported, some A-4Es
more fuel-efficient. Moreover, unlike the and the total payload capability of,2 Ib were re-engined with the J52-P- A,
J65, which had already reached it, design 0,725kg) of the five pylons dramatically 9,30 Ib (4,225kg) thru t engine and
limitations, the J52 had plenty of room for increased the kyhawk's potency as a referred to unoffiCially as the' uper Echo',
growth, and, indeed, would eventually see conventional platform. although no official redesignation occur-
its thrust upgraded by Ib (365kg) - Internally, the avionics package was red.
nearly 30 per cent. Thrust-to-weight ratio again upgraded by the addition of the All but eight of the 499 -4Es were
This A-4E shows its stuff with a full load of Bullpup. Walleye. and Mk 80 series bombs. The more powerful
of this engine would come in at a Mk 9 toss bombing system, A /AR - huilt under the pre-1962 A4D-5 designa-
engine and additional two hardpoints allow it to carry a theoretical load of 9.1551b (4.155kg) of ordnance respectable j .2: I, comparable to many of 52(V) T C ,and N/ P -153(V) tion system, with production continuing
and still have enough thrust to get pilots out of jams. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann the fighters of the day. The A-4E's rate-of- Doppler radar navigation system. The until April 1966. Although 500 were actu-
56 57
THE SCOOTER OMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COME TO LIFE
This comparison diagram shows the relative size difference between the A-4E (A40-5) and the proposed
A40-6 VAL competition aircraft. Boeing via the author
Aerial refuelling from a tanker's perspective, Here. The beautiful artwork on this VMA-131 A-4M was painted by Harry Campbell. John W. Binford
an A-4M loaded with AIM-9 Sidewinders and a
centreline tank approaches a KC-10 for aerial
refuelling. Gary Campbell
58 59
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
RUDDER
:J
4 INCHES
27 FEET
6 INCHES CANOPY
-------~s<J--------1
SPEEDBRAKE
40 FEET SPOILER
~--AILERON
...!......_--------------
WING
NOTE FILLET
DIMENSIONS ARE TAKEN WITH
THE LANDING GEAR SHOCK SLATS
STRUT AND TIRES INFLATED
TO THE CORRECT PRESSURES. MAIN LANDING GEAR WING FLAPS
t~~~~~~~~ This diagram from the A-YM NATOPS highlights the Sky hawk's major airframe components.
4 FEET
8 1/4 INCHES
JL----r--__ '-I
STATIC GROUND LINE/
y
41 F E E T 3 I N C H E S - - - - - - - - - - - - h VT 7
CT" I
--.,..---_-1.._----------- 15 FEET
3 INCHES
11 FEET
10 INC HE S
r ~~::::::::;':'J-:'-.---!
7 FEET
6 1/2 INCHES
7 FEET
j 103/8 INCHES
~
STATIC GROUND LINE/ 2 FEET
7 1/2 INCHES
FAl-4-8
These two photos of a VT-7 TA-4J reveal the Skyhawk's forward edge slats (left) and spoilers (right).
The dimensions of the A-4M are shown in this company diagram.
60 67
THE SCOOT R COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
;MIf
STAol AMETRI C
RANGE CONTROL
-:;==ar- EXTERNAL
LIGHTS
NOTE
)~~~~~~:;:~~~~~;~:",~~i
SWITCHES/CONTROLS INSTALLED
ON THE THROTTLE ARE NOT
PLACARDED FOR IDENTIFICATION.
l~~~~:~~~}::- ~ ~
#,.(..
,.
~ ••.•• 'Y-.... .-'
An artist's rendition of the Douglas VAL competition entrant, the MD-G, internally called the A-4F. It was
through this contest that the Navy sought a successor to the A-4. The MD-G was considerably larger than
the standard Skyhawk, but maintained the basic and familiar shape. lVT, later the Chance Vought A-7
Corsair II eventually won the competition and was awarded the VAL contract. Boeing Historical Archives via A VMA-211 Echo does a 'dirty' fly-by at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, in November 1974 carrying a full load of Zuni rockets.
Harry Gann US Navy via Tailhook Association via author
62 63
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
Skyhawk entry into US Navy service began in September 1956 with VA-72 VA-125 received the first -Es in December 1962, and VA-81 and VA-83 at
squadron, based at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, receiving the first NAS Cecil Field transitioned the following April and May. VA-55 and VA-56
batch of MD-1 s for an initial operational work-up. Prior to that, the 'Hawks' of NAS Lemoore followed in July 1963.
had operated the F9F Cougar. The VA-93 'Blue Blazers' based on the West Reflecting the overall lower level of production, the A-4F saw service
Coast, became the second MD-1 operator in November that same year and with only fourteen Navy squadrons, all with the Pacific Fleet. VA-192, the
the first Pacific Fleet squadron. By the end of 1957, seven more Navy 'Golden Dragons' were the first to convert in July 1967. As the war in
squadrons had converted to the MD-1. Both VA-44 and VA-l25, the two Vietnam progressed into its final years and the A-4 was phased out of
Skyhawk RAGs, received their first MD-1s in 1958. By the end of produc- carrier light attack squadrons and replaced by the A-7 Corsair II, most
tion, fourteen squadrons had flown the Alpha model and four had taken it carrier deployments were made by the Foxtrot with two or three A-4F-
on cruise. equipped squadrons per air wing. The -F marked the last Skyhawk used by
However, even before full transition could be completed, the new MD-2 frontline Navy squadrons.
emerged and began entering service with the fleet. The vast majority of Over the years, the Navy operated several Reserve squadrons who,
MD-2 conversions took place between 1958 and 1960, with a total of thirty- before 1970, operated a limited number of TA-4A and TA-4B models. Indeed,
eight squadrons flying the MD-2 at some point in their operational history. at that time Reserve squadrons were not assigned their own aircraft and
VA-l2 squadron, the 'Flying Ubangis' made the first transition, having instead relied on those based at their home air station. This changed with
transferred to the MD-1 just the preceding April. The MD-2, later the 1970 reorganization and all became stand-alone squadrons with the
designated the A-4B, made a total of sixty-six squadron cruises, with three older A-4s. Many of these were replaced with the uprated A-4L - a Charlie
to Vietnam. brought up to Foxtrot standards - and operated with four Atlantic Fleet
Of all the Navy Skyhawks, the MD-2N (A-4CI saw the most use; thirty- Reserve squadrons, VAs-203, -204, -205, and -209, beginning in mid-1970.
seven squadrons operated this variant, making 124 squadron cruises, VAs- 303, -304, and -305 on the west coast received A-4Cs and -E (VA-305
forty-two of which were to Vietnam. The first two squadrons to operate the only). Three other Reserve units operated Skyhawks, VA-776 (A-4B and -El,
A-4C were RAGs. VA-44 and VA-125 received their A-4Cs in February and VA-831 (A-4Bl, and VA-873 (A-4B and -C). These three squadrons were
March 1960, followed by VA-195 in May and VA-192 in June. Most squadron activated on 27 January 1968 in response to the North Korean seizure of
conversions to the Charlie took place between 1960 and 1962, although four USS Pueblo (AGER 2). All returned to reserve status on 12 October 1968.
squadrons waited until the 1966-68 timeframe. VA-152 made its transition to Six other Reserve units (Reserve Air Wings) operated early model and A- Seen here at Andrews AFB in February 1973, this VA-164 A-4F wears the markings of the Air Wing
the A-4B and -C at approximately the same time, having traded in its A-1 Js 4L Skyhawks at various Naval Air Stations across the county: RAW-67 (NAS Commander or 'CAG'. The 'DO' modex aircraft from each squadron in the air wing are regarded as the
in February 1968. Atlanta, '7B' tail code); RAW-70 (NAS Dallas, '70' tail code); RAW-74 (NAS squadron CAG-bird. Modex 'or belongs to the squadrons' skippers. Stephen H. Miller via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess,
The Echo was used almost as frequently as the A-4C, although it Jacksonville, '6E' tail code); RAW-81 (NAS Minneapolis, '7E' tail code); USN Ret
equipped only twenty-eight squadrons and made only fifty cruises. As RAW-82 (NAS New Orleans, '7X' tail code); RAW-87 (NAS Alameda, '6G'
testament to its functionality, thirty-eight of these cruises were to Vietnam. tail code). ally ordered, the last (BuNo. 1521 I) was and could nor be expected to come online earlier kyhawk variants, the A-4F would
used as the A-4F prototype. In all, nearly for some time. bring about a new look for the kyhawk.
thirty Navy and Marine Corps squadrons Douglas had already submitted an unso- According to reports, Ed Heinemann did
operated the A-4E, with many serving in licited proposal for an improved Skyhawk, nor necessarily approve of this addition,
Vietnam and some continuing to serve which it called the A4D-6 or A-4F (nor complaining that it ruined the A-4's
with Reserve units into the middle 1970s. the A-4F that Douglas would subsequently ae -rhetic . Although the first A-4F was
VA-23 then erving with VW-2 aboard develop). This proposal was later reworked outwardly identical to the A-4E, all ub e-
U MidwQ)" was the fin squadron to to fit the VAL requirement. Other quent production model were fitted with
receive the new A-4E variant in de igns in the competition included vari- a large aft avionics 'hump'. Running from
ovember 1962. The -E's first flight took ants of the North American FJ-4 Fury, a the rear of the co kpit to the base of the
place on 12 July 1961. stripped-down (single-seat) variant of the vertical tail, the hump housed mostly e1ec-
Grumman -6A, and the Chance Vought troni gear, including the ALQ-45 (V)
F- Crusader. homing warning system, the ALQ-55(V)
A4D-6 I n February 1964, the A-7 was declared radar receiving y tem, and the ALQ-100
the winner and was selected to replace the ECM sy tem. Skyhawk pi lor would some-
Douglas proposed constructing a kyhawk A-4 as the fleet light attack aircraft. With time refer to A-4s with these humps as
with an enlarged airframe, powered by its first flight taking place on 27 eptember 'camels'. This aft hump was later retro-
the I 1,5001b (5,nOkg) thrust Pratt & 1965, the -7A began to enter service in fitted to many A-4Es and to the 100
Whitney TF30 turbofan. This competed December 1967 and had completely -4Cs converted to the 'F' standard under
directly with the Chance Vought A-7 replaced the -4 in frontline Navy service the A-4L designation programme.
Corsair II in the avy' carrier light attack by 1973. The imperu for the addition of the
(VAL) design competition, which had avionic hump i almost a story in and of
been authorized by the Navy's 1963 itself. A the war in Vietnam progressed,
Request for Proposal. The VAL was A-4F the military became increasingly
supposed to find an interim aircraft, of aware of the sophistication of North
which 100 would be produced, to fill the A highly capable Sky hawk, the A-4F Vietnam's air defences, particularly their
gap until the planned VAX programme would be the last single-seat production Anti-Air Artillery (AAA) and Surface-
A-4Fs served admirably during the later years of the Vietnam War and were often selected for the dangerous Iron Hand anti-SAM missions because of their
came to fruition. It would later turn out, model to enter service with the U avy. to-Air Missile ( AM) site and the
superior ECM equipment. Most of this equipment was housed in the aft avionics package, called the 'hump'. This hump distinguished the Foxtrot from other however, that between 500 and 1,000 Indeed, the -F was produced especially for increasing use of ground radar. To foil
models, but only for a short time, as it was quickly added to many Echoes and was later incorporated into the Charlie through the A-4L modifications. Loaded on VALs would be needed. Moreover, the the avy's needs in the Vietnam War, these mea ure, electroni device were
this Scooter are two Bullpups, one Walleye, and several larger Mk 80 series LDGP bombs. US Navy via Tailhook Associatioin via author VAX programme was experi ncing delays although only 146 were produced. Unlike developed specifically to confuse enemy
64 65
of 8,000 frames. The KB-IOA took a -408s, the Skyhawk's air inlets were Some of these A-4Fs would go on to
maximum of five frames per second and slightly enlarged. With the Super F's new serve with the US avy's 'Blue Angels'
could photograph with an fl2 8 lens with lift spoilers, tak -off distances could be flight demonstration team from 1974-87
shutter peeds of 1/2000, 1/1000, and shortened by 1,000ft (3lOm). and with several adversary squadrons
1/500 second. Film was carried in 15ft Completed at the Palmdale factory including VF-126, the pre tigious Top
(4.6m) and 50ft (15.5m) spools, producing on 3 Augu t 1966, the first A-4F flew on Gun, and VF-I27 at A Fallon's trike
either seventy or 230 pictures. 31 August with fleet deliveries begin- . A-4F flown in the~e role were typi-
Avionics were modernized in the -F ning in June 1967 to VA-23 and VA-I92 cally stripped of all unessential equipment,
model, with total package weight rising to from CVW-19. Its combat debut came such as armament and the aft avionics
7441b (340kg), contributing to the over- on 26 January 1968, when these squad- hump, to provide for the lightest possible
all empty weight of 1O,4481b (4,740kg). rons launched strikes from the carrier airframe.
Cockpit armour was also added as were USS Ticonderoga. Three more A-4F
several improvement~ to enhance the squadrom joined less than a month later,
aircraft' handling characteristics, e pe- when VA-22 and VA-94 began strikes The 'Blue Angels' Get
cially during cross-wind landing~. For against orth Vietnam. Most 'Essex' class
example, a hydraulically controlled steer- carriers operated at least one -F squadron
the Scooter
able nose gear was added, as were lift towards the end of the war, with USS From 1969, the 'Blue Angels' had flown
spoilers and low-pressure tyres. Again, Hancock's last three cruises seeing all the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
these changes were all originally part of three VA squadrom with A-4Fs. Indeed, during their flight demonstration perfor-
the T A-4E design. all A-4Fs would see as ignment with mances. However, in the autumn of 1973,
In the late 1960~, 100 A-4F~ were Pacific Fleet squadrons. 0 new-built they decided to switch to the diminutive
modified with the up-rated J52-P-40 A4-Fs were given to Marine Corps units kyhawk. This decision wa due in part
11,2001b (5,085kg) thrust engines, and - they began to replace older A-4s in to financial concerns that were threat-
were unofficially dubbed the 'Super F', the Marine VMA squadrons only after ening the continued viability of the flight
The A-4L resulted from modifications to the A-4C airframe and included the addition of the avionics 'hump'
reflecting their increased thrust. To they were replaced in Navy units by the demonstration programme but was also
and other features of the Foxtrot. The Lima, however, retained the J65 engine and the three-station accommodate the increased airflow of the A-7. influenced by the aftermath of an August
configuration. This A-4L flew many hours with VA-204 before it was transferred to the Marine Reserves.
Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
search and fire-control and/or reduce their the I ughes Mk-4 gun pod for use against gun entirely from the port side, leaving
effectiveness. Indeed, modern electronic ground targets. The Mk-4 was Widely used only seventy-five rounds in total.
warfare was born in Vietnam. With the in Vietnam by A-4 Marine squadrons. Many internal changes and modifi-
kyhawk, in~tallation of the'e electronic One of the drawbacks of the Shoe Hom cations were ushered in under the A-4F
devices posed a problem due to the modificatiom was that it meant A-4 pilots designation. For enhanced communi-
minimal internal ~pace available. Dougla~ had Ie·s ammunition for the gun: cation, the ARC-51 A HF radio and an
developed a solution to this problem, ARR-69 auxiliary receiver were installed.
however, by locating the necessary elec- We normally carncd a (ull load of 200 munds, avigation was further enhanced by the
tronics equipment externally, but within 100 pcr gun. Whcn thcy did thc Shoe Hom mod- addition of the ARA-50 direction finder,
the new aft avioni s hump. ifications, they put some of thc elcctmnic gcar in AR -52 (V) T ACA , and the AR -63
While waiting for the A-4F to be deliv- t he ammo ~[nragc area anJ haJ to cut ll~ JO\\'11 Instrument Landing ystem (ILS). Other
ered, the avy established two small to 75 muncb per gun ... lat firstl thcy c\'en dis- improvements included the addition of The 'Blue Angels' began
groups, one in the Philippine officially connccted the wiring for the gum ... They had- an upgraded AIM transponder system, flying the A-4F during
called Project Shoe Hom, and one at n't told us the guns were d"connected ... One with five mode, including two IFF their 1974 show season.
MCAS EI T oro, to perform what were of the guys wa, on a strike and pulled up With a and one secured IFF, the AN/AS -41 The decision to go with
essentially field retrofits of the aft equip- MiG right in (mnt of him. lie squcczcd thc navigation computer, and the ALE-29 the Skyhawk proved the
right one, both in terms
ment for existing A-4Es. Both groups were triggcr and nothing happcncd. Whcn hc got chaff unit.
of maintenance costs
closed once the retrofits were completed hack to thc hoat, maintenance said thcy had dis- While armaments remained basically
and performance value.
and factory production could keep pace connccted thc leads to thc guns. the ame as the A-4E, a Battle Damage The A-4F was cheaper to
on its own. According to sources, at least A Ithough these were latcr reconncctcd, thc Assessment (BDA) capability was added operate and handled
a few -4E and A-4F model were not ammunition quantity remall1cJ the same at scv~ ~ y modifying a centreline bomb rack better than the F-4J
fitted with the aft package. cnty-five rounds, which, 'at thc Mk 12's rarc-of- pylon to carry the LB-I A camera pod. previously flown by the
Demonstrating their ingenuity, avy firc of 1,000 pCI' minutc, didn't last vcrI' long'21 The LB-18A could carry either a DBM- team. Vice-Adm Tony
maintenance personnel adopted a make- 4A 16mm motion picture camera or the Less, who commanded
shift solution to the ECM problem by In some squadrons, the lack of adequate KB-IOA till picture camera. The DBM- the 'Blue Angels' during
ammunition was made even wor e, as the 4A was a high-speed precision camera their first two seasons
replacing the kyhawk's port cannon with
with the Foxtrot. is
electronic countermeasure gear. Because vibrations caused by the cannon's firing with a frame rate from two to 4 0 frame
shown here exiting his
vibrations from the starboard cannon eas- often damaged the sensitive electronics, per second. 200ft (62m) of this film would
Skyhawk. US Navy via
ily damaged the electronics, crews loaded forcing maintenance staff to remove the contain forty frames per foot for a total author
66 67
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THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
'Blue Angels' Nos 5 and 6 taxi to the runway at NAS Atlanta for a show in 1981. The combination of the
stripped-down Foxtrot and the J52-P-408 engine gave the 'Super Fox' a one-to-one empty thrust ratio. This
added performance helped keep the 'show' in front of the audience. as pilots could perform tighter turns
and did not need as much altitude to go 'over the top'. Frank Mirande
... the Surer F, were ,licked by remo\'mg the oil pressurized by engine bleed air. Sprayed lawr meant that we could hasiGllly rerform any
two outhoard rack> on each wing. We kert the from a small tube ncar the exhaust pipe, negative 'g' maneuver and fly inverted (or
centerline for cross-country flights. \'(Iith the the oil mixed with the hot exhaust gases st retches of 50 to 60 second,.!>
P-408, we had a lot of rower available. The and created smoke. To facilitate control of
Foxtrot's emrty weight was ahout II, 300lh and the smoke system, it could be activated by Load feel bungees were also installed to
with the P-408 we were looking at a ncar I: 1 a switch on the control stick. provide greater demonstration stick force.
thrust to weight ratio without fuel. One draw- To help improve the aerobatic perfor- The 'Blue Angels' also r quired the instal-
The Skyhawk's size and power (at least in its later yearsl made it well-suited to the adversary role. VF-171 ,
b'lCk, however) was that it had no hurner, mance of the A-4, an inverted fuel system lation of a foldable ladder for entry that
the East Coast F-4 RAG, established a detachment at NAS Key West to provide its own adversary training.
which rre\'ented us from going over the tor was added. Vice-Adm Less described this had it storage compartment in th port
In 1994. Del. KW stood down and transferred its three A-4Es to VF-45. US Navy via author
'dirty' in formatioll. H in more detail: gun station. The wings were modified by
bolting the leading edge wing slats in a
Interestingly, when an alternative for When we were testmg the A-4Fs, AVAIR closed position.
mid-air FAJ collision that had claimed the The A-4F was 'imrly the right aIrcraft, at the tllne, ,000 feet. gain, thi, kept the ,how the F-4 was being considered, the A-4 wa test pilot, di,covered that rrolonged inverted The latter modification eliminated the
lives of three team members. The AAF right time for the 'Blue Angeb'. It, maneuver- elmer to the crowd. The A-4F also allowed u, not alone. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, flight could cau,e a flame-out. Of course, potentially fatal scenario where the lats
presented a more affordable option, with ability allowed t" to keep the ,how in front of to shorten our rever,als to be back in front of Rockwell T-Z Buckeye, and LTV Cor air inverted flight i, an ahsolute given in acrobatic would deploy in a non-uniform manner
its lower maintenance cost, and better the audience, which i, where you w,lOt to be the center point m a ,horter timeH II were all considered, but rejected for var- flight, so they had to I,x)k for a solution. The duri ng low-a Iti tude or close-formation
specific fuel consumption. Moreover, its when your performance " only thirty-five to iou reasons. With the deci ion made to go problem wa, cau,ed hI' the mverted stand pire flying, where the pilot would have little
lighter airframe, agility and high roll rate forty minutes long.!! This de i ion could not have com at ahead with the kyhawk, eight A-4Fs were in the main fu,e1age fuel tank. The rire ended time to correct. Indeed, thi was a
at moderate speeds (300 degree per a better time - hordes of A-4Fs were selected and sent to Long Beach for aLx)ut four to five inches from the bottom of common and predictable occurrence while
second), made it better suited to demon- A good example of this, Vice- dm Le s now becoming available as the avy reworking to 'Blue Angel' standards. This the cell and when the Skyhawk went inverted, flying the Scooter at slow air peeds -
stration purpose. explained, is the altitude at which the compl ted the switch from A-4F to work included deletion of the hump air would get into the Ime and cause a flame- parti ularly during aerobatics. At lea t a
Vice-Adm Anthony A. Less, then dr -4 would go 'over the top': A-7s in 1973. Moreover, approximately avionics package, the addition of a drag out. The solution was to add a fuel accumulator, few A-4s were lost due to this phenom-
Less, the CO of the 'Blue Angels' during 100 of these models were of the so-called chute, and incorporation of a smoke which used bleed air to rressurize the tank. We enon when the slat popped and the pilot
th ir two years with the A-4F, made the With the F-4, they would go 'over the tor' in , uper F' version, which featured the system. The smoke-producing system fea- hau a small light in the cockrit that glowed was unable to recover. For the 'Blue
following observation of the Skyhawk's a loor at 10,000 to 12,000 feet. With the powerful P-40 engine. Vice- dm Le s tured a 30 US gallon (113 litre) tank of a indicating that the accul1lulator was working Angels', such a problem would have been
impact on the team: smaller A-4F, we could tor out at 7,000, some- commented: lightweight, biodegradable paraffin-based and that we could go inverted. This accUI1lU- disastrous if it had occurred during their
68 69
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THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
Instructors at Top Gun, the Navy's Fighter Weapons School, chose the A-4 for their dissimilar adversary
aircraft because of its MiG-like performance characteristics. This A-4E represents a 'stripped' version of
those flown by the fleet and has been unofficially termed the 'Mongoose'. Rick Morgan
diamond, or delta, formation. However, The kyhawk became the official flight first at the avy Fighter Weapons
the modification provided uniform and demonstration aircraft for the 1974 chool, also called Top Gun', and later
predictable flight characteristics while in season, which began in April of that year. by fleet adversary squadrons, such as
tight formation, even if it made landing A total of eighteen A-4Fs would serve Oceana's VF-45 and VFC-12, Miramar's
speeds a little faster. with the 'Blue Angels' over the kyhawk's V -13, and Key West's VF-43. Top Gun
One of the problems with the sl icked- thirteen-year stint with the demonstration was created by the Navy in 1969 to help
up Super F was the relative ease with team, until they were replaced in 1987 by reverse the poor ki II ratios that had been
which it would roll. Vice-Adm Less a modified version of the McDonnell accumulated in the first part of the war -
Four familier aircraft from the Top Gun of the 1980s are, left to right, the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, Grumman
commented: Douglas F/A-I A. After their tour, four 3.5: l. To achieve this end, Top Gun
F-14 Tomcat, General Dynamics (now Lockheed-Martin) F-16 Falcon and McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.
were reassigned to variou adversary created a graduate-level course in air Lt Cdr Tom Twomey USN
The roll rme on rhe uper F ".,,, '" phenom- quadrons, one (Bu o. 1541 ,formerly combat manoeuvring based on the
enal rhar our solo pdms had to be careful nor Blue Angel o. I) was given to the observations noted in the now-famous
to o\'cruo it and lblow out' the wing. In an Mu eum of Flight in eattle, Wa hington, Ault Report. At first, there were insuffi-
excessive roll rare scenario, rhe hIgh g-force and three were given to the Museum of cient funds around to allow Top Gun quickly discovered that the A-4 could per- VFA-I27, flew the A-4 until it was finally A-4L
would force rhe fuel our into rhe wing-rips and aval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. its own planes, so instructors resorted ro form almost as well as the avy's frontline replaced by the F/A-18A in 1992. Sky-
stress rhe wingskin. We learned rhis rhe hard Four of these A-4s now hang in the borrowing T -4Fs from the local instru- fighters, the F-4 Phantom and the F-8 hawks also flew in adversary roles for vari- nlike all other variants, the -L repre-
way in our first year when, during a practice famous 'Blue Angel' diamond formation ment RAG, VF-126. Crusader. These fighters were then given ous fleet and omposite squadrons, such as sented a rebuilding programme that con-
session, one of nur solos sprung a wing leak at the Museum's Exhibition Hall. (Blue Once Top Gun became an ind pendent a camouflage pa int scheme intended to VC-8 and VFC-12 and -13. Today, only verted 100 fonner A-4Cs to the A-4F
afrer a high roll and we had ro replace rhe Angel o. I of that display is actually A- command, funding became available and mimic the enemy aircraft Top Gun tu- VC-8 at lA Roosevelt Roads, Puerto standard, without the J52 engine. These
wing.... Once rhis was discovered we quickly 4E Bu o. 150076.) the quest began for an adversary aircraft. dents were likely to see if a war broke out. Rico, operates the A-4. Although other models also retained the A-4C's three
learned to limir rhe amount of stick deAecrion To fi 1I that role, the A-4E was selected The adversary rolc, though, was models of the kyhawk were flown at Top hardpoint. All A-4Ls were a igned to
during rolls. 26 because of it ability to imulate the per- not exclusive to Top Gun, a VF-126 Gun, the A-4F was clearly the model of avy and Marine Corps Reserve units,
formances of Soviet-built aircraft uch as and VA-I27 flew A-4s in support of vari- choice due to its powerful -408A engine. with the initial deliveries made to the
A-4s at Top Gun ous fleet exercises. VF-126 flew the Indeed, A-4s would go on to serve in the
In addition to the single-seat Foxtrots, the MiG-17 flown by orth Korea. aval Reserve Training nit (NARTU)
the 'Blue Angel' also received one new One of the most innovative uses of the tripped of all of its external srore stations Skyhawk until it dise tablished in 1994, adversary role, especially at Top Gun, unti l at NA Jacksonville, Florida, in December
TA-4J to serve in an administrative role. kyhawk was by the adversary squadrons, and its aft avionics pod, adver ary pilots while VF-I27, after being redesignated they were replaced in 1994, by F/A-I As. 1969. Marine orps -Ls were later replaced
70 77
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THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
--
operations aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in
-
September 1971. Reserve Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-
20) was requalifying. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess
USN ReId
An A-4 'Mongoose' from Top Gun makes an approach at NAS Miramar in January 1989, Formerly the home
of Top Gun, the base has now been redesignated and the Top Gun school moved to NAS Fallon.
Lt Cdr Tom Twomey USN
hy rhe A-4Fs, as the A-7 Corsair lis No -4Ls saw service in Vietnam. Corps' needs and they opted instead for a
became more abundant. Douglas con- A-4Ls were outwardly identical to A-4Cs, further upgraded kyhawk, the -4M.
vertedthefirstA-4L(Bu 0.14 307)arit with the exception of the avionics hump. amed the' kyhawk II', the A-4M was
Long Beach plant, but then produced specifically de igned by McDonnell
a total of ninety-nine kits for the avy to Douglas to meet the Marine Corps'
convert at its aval Air Rework Facility requirements for a low-cost, potent c1ose-
(N RF) in Pensacola. The first A-4L flew A-4M support aircraft. Costing approximately
on 2\ August 1969, with conversions arriv- 1,500,000, the A-4M was just what the
ing in Re erve units in mid-I970, where When the avy conducted the VAL larines were looking for to match their
they served until replaced by early model competition in the early 1960, the limited budget.
-7s and were reassigned to various fleet winner was supposed to become the stan- By any standard, the A-4M represented
utility (VC) squadrons. Navy Reserve dard light attack aircraft for both avy the most potent of the kyhawk models.
squadrons operating the A-4L included and Marine Corps atrack squadrons. Central to the A-4M was installation of
VAs-203, -204, -2 5, and -209. VMAs- While the avy followed thi course, the the improved J52-P-408A engine, which
The A-4L cockpit shows the APG-53 radar screen
124, -142, and -543, all Reserve units, also orsair II was simply too expensive and has been described as the greatest single and more conveniently located dials, as compared
flew this model. too maintenance-intensive for the Marine improv m nt to the A-4M model. The to the A-4A. US Navy via author
72 73
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THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
74 75
------------------ - --~--
- -
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
A ribbon-type drag chute was added to the A-4M model to give Marine Sky hawks the ability to stop on the smaller runways that might be encountered in forward-
deployed areas. This Skyhawk is from VMA-324 at Marine Corps auxiliary landing field. Bogue Field. North Carolina. Notice the deployed spoilers on the wings. US
Navy via Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
---
NWC China lake is responsible for testing new ordnance - an A-4M readies for the first test-firing of the new AGM-65E laser Maverick. USMC Maj John P. Bland
stands next to his plane conducting the pre-flight check. This version of the Maverick is heavier than that used at the time by the US Air Force. US Navy via Lt Cdr VX-5 operated a number of A-4s in its test and evaluation program. Here. an A-4M is set-up as the test aircraft for the new ARBS system. This aircraft has been
Rick Burgess USN Retd called the 'Smart Hawk' because its capabilities enhanced the A-4's stand-off value. Lt Cdr Rick Morgan USN Retd
76 77
THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
A close-up of the Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) nose reveals the details of the ARBS device. The
large lens in the centre serves as the 'window' for the TV-like sensor and the Laser Spot Tracker (LST).
Lt Cdr Rick Morgan USN Retd
An A-4K (NZ62l2) of No. 75 Squadron RNZAF takes on fuel from an RAF VC1D K.4. Peter Foster
General specifications
A-4A A-4B A-4C A-4E A-4F A-4L A-4M TA-4F TA-4J
Length 39'-1" 39'-4" 40'-1" 41'-3" 41'-3" 40'-1" 41'-3" 42'-5" 42'-5"
Wing Span 27'-6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6" 27' -6"
Height 15' 15' 15' 15' 15' 15' 15' 15' 15'
Empty Weight 8,391 Ib 9,1461b 9,6191b 9,853 Ib 10,448 Ib 10,448 Ib 10,800 Ib 10,602 Ib 10,602 Ib
Max T/O Weight 22,500 Ib 22,500 Ib 22,500 Ib 24,500 Ib 24,500 Ib 24,500 Ib 24,500 Ib 24,500 Ib 24,500 Ib
An A-4M loaded with Mk 7 dispensers and CBU- Max Level Speed 664 661 649 673 670 675
59/B APAM waits for takeoff. 0 August via Gary Engine J65-W-4 J65-W-16A J65-W-16A J52-P-6/8 J52-P-8/408 J65-W-20A J52-P-408 J52-P-6/8 J52-P-6
Campbell Thrust Ib 7,700 7,700 7,700 8,500/9,300 9,300/11,200 8,400 11,200 8,500/9,300 8,500
78 79
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THE COOTER COMES TO LIFE THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
The addition of the A-4 Skyhawk gave the Marine Corps a new punch it Marine units quickly began converting to the Mike. Only VMA-214 and
hadn't seen since the days of the F4UA Corsair. VMA-224 received the first VMA-343 operated the -F as frontline units.
Skyhawks when it converted from the F9F Cougar in January 1957, followed VMA-324 received the first A-4Ms on 26 February 1971. The Mike served
quickly by VMA-211. Because the Skyhawk programme was advancing with six VMA squadrons before being replaced in active duty units by the
faster than conversions, these are the only two Marine Corps squadrons AV-8B and F{A-18 Hornet. Indeed, VMA-331 took the last Marine Corps
believed to have flown the A4D-1. VMA-211 transitioned to the new A4D-2 delivery of an A-4 Skyhawk on 27 February 1979. VMA-211 flew the
the following September and took great pride in the fact that the Marines Skyhawk until 27 February 1990, when it transferred the Corps' last active-
had received the upgraded Bravo before the Navy. Soon, virtually all VMA duty A-4 (BuNo. 1584281 to Reserve unit VMA-133 at NAS Alameda.
squadrons were flying the A40-2. Two-seat Skyhawks also served well with the Marines, both in combat
The A40-2N, later redesignated as the A-4C, began arriving in Marine and training. The TA-4F flew with Headquarter and Maintenance Squadrons
Corps squadrons in March 1960, with VMA-225 taking the honours. As with (H&MSI during Vietnam, flying observation and Forward Air Control (FAC)
the Bravo, the Marines were the first service to receive the Charlie. The A- missions, as well as spotting for artillery and ship-borne fire. The two-seat
4C became the most utilized of all the Skyhawk variants, being flown by a OA-4M followed in the mid-1970s and replaced the TA-4F in the Fast FAC
total of nine squadrons by 1964. VMAs-121, -211, -214, -223, -224, -225, -242, and TAC(A) roles with the newly redesignated Maintenance And Logistics
-311, and -332 all operated the Charlie by that time, with two squadrons, Squadrons (MALS). Marines also flew the TA-4 in instrument training
VMA-324 and VMA-533 still flying the -B, and one, VMA-331, having squadrons VMT-102 and VMT-203, which later became VMAT-102 and
converted to the new Echo just the year before. Because the Navy needed VMAT-103.
the more modern A-4E for its carriers, these models did not filter into the Following the reorganization of the Reserves in 1970, seven Marine Air
Marine Corps in any great number until later in the 1960s. Nevertheless, Reserve squadrons emerged, all of which flew some variant of the A-4.
nine squadrons ultimately flew the A-4E. Prior to that, like the Navy Reserves, Marine Reserve units shared aircraft
Marine Corps squadrons received no factory-fresh A-4F models; all went and did not have an individual identity. Following the reorganization, VMAs-
to the first-line Navy squadrons to replace the losses they were sustaining 124, -131, -133, -134, -142, -322, and -543 emerged under the control of the
in North Vietnam. Moreover, many of the Marine Corps VMA squadrons Marine Reserve Air Groups. Three of these squadrons, VMAs-124
converted to the newall-weather Grumman A-6A Intruder, including VMAs- (Memphis). -142 (Jacksonville). and -543 (Glenview) operated the A-4L. A-
121, -225, -226, -242, -332, and -553. The Foxtrots did eventually come to the 4Es and -Fs were flown by the remaining squadrons until the retirement of
Marines as the A-4s were replaced by A-7s aboard the carriers. But these the A-4M made it the Reserve standard.
were never fully utilized because, at about the same time as the -Fs were The end finally came in August 1994 when the last Marine Corps A-4 was
released, the new and vastly improved A-4M Skyhawk II appeared, and retired from service with Reserve squadron VMA-131 at Willow Grove, PA.
570
3575
• • • • AIR-lO-AIR MISSILES
• •• • •• • } AIR·TO·GROUND MISSILES
• • • • • GENERAL PURPOSE BOMBS A colourful A-4M from VMA-214 carries on the squadron's heritage, which dates back to World War II when Maj Greg 'Pappy' Boyington lead its F4U Corsairs fro III Henderson Field
on Guadalcanal. Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Reld
• •• • } FUEL TANKS
• • • • • ROCKETS
80 87
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THE SCOOTER COMES TO LIFE
-408A, with it 11,2001b (5,0 5kg) thrust ference between the metal surfaces of the the foreign Skyhawk programmes, and a The nose-gear mechanism of the Skyhawk is
rating, almo t 2 per cent more than it probe and the no e-mounted APG-53 new fix d gun Sight. shown on this A-4M. The A-4C modified for the US
predeces or, brought with it significantly radar, as well as other nose-mourned elec- First flight of the A-4M took place on Army proposal was the only Skyhawk to have a
better manoeuvrability, acceleration, rate- tronics. This 'cranked probe' was also 10 April 1970, with fleet deliveries dual nose-wheel system. John Binford
of-climb, and take-off performance, with retrofitted to certain other early model A- commencing on 16 April 1971 to VMA-
only a small reduction in overall range. 4s during the I970s. A ribbon-type drag 324 of MCA Beaufort, C. Test pilot
Comparatively speaking, manoeuvrability chute and an enlarged tailfin were also Walt mith piloted the A-4M on its first
at Mach 0.75 wa improved by 100 p r added, both of which were developed for fl ight. Due to an operational exercise,
cent from 1.5g to 3.2g; acceleration in the foreign kyhawk production pro- deliveries were accepted at MCA Yuma.
dive bombing by 23 per cent; rate-of-climb gramme. The drag chute, located just aft At the ame time as the initial deliveries
improved 50 per cent from 5,620ft of the arrest hook, helped to slow the air- were being made, four other A-4Ms were
(1,715m) to ,440 ft (2,575m) per minute craft and allow landings on shorter fields. busy completing BI trials at the NATC
and take-off distance was reduced from The square-tipped tailfin, changed to Patuxent River, while the fifth operational
3,720ft (l ,134m) to 2,700ft (823m), while accommodate additional antennas, pro- delivery, BuNo. 16 245, was celebrated as
maximum speed at sea level with 4,0001b vides another means of identifying A-4Ms the 2,500th Skyhawk produced at the 20
(1,815kg) ordnance increased from 598- from A-4Fs. April 1971 ceremonies performed at NAF memorare the festivities, the last cooter
644mph (953-1,03 7km/h). The A-4M retained the same five stores Washington. was given a non-traditional paint scheme
To help reduce smoke trails, something configuration of the -F. The new Sky- Other changes followcd the initial with both Navy and Marine Corps mark-
that earmarked earl ier Skyhawk models, hawk's basic operating weight came in at dcliveries to Marine squadrons. In 1974, ings and the flags of all foreign Skyhawk
the J52-P-408A was fitted with smokeless 12,2801b (5,575kg). Given its normal funding was released for the addition of the users painted along the fuselage.
burner cans. To accommodate the greater gross weight of 24,5001b (II, 120kg), the Elliot 546 HUD, with both air-to-air and A-4Ms served with all active-duty
mass flow of the new engines, the intake A-4M could carry up to 9, 1551b (4, 155kg) air-to-ground modes, and for other cockpit Marine Corps VMA squadrons until
areas were widened by 2;..sin (6.35cm) - of ordnance, leaving a maximum of improvements permitting better situa- retired from frontline service on 27
approximately 7 per cent. Other signifi- 3, 65lb (l,390kg) for internal fuel, or tional awareness. In 1977, the offensive February 1990, when VMA-2 II trans-
cant additions to the A-4M consisted of about 470 S gallons (1,775 litres). capabilities wcre further enhanced by the fen·ed its last Skyhawk, Bu o. 15 42 ,to
increasing the ammunition for the two Avionics also saw an upgrade, with the addition of the Hughes Angle/Rate Reserve unit MAG-42 at A Alameda,
20mm gun to 200 round each; enlarging installation of the AR -159 (V) HF Bombing ystem (ARB ), which enabled California. The A-4M continued to serve
the cockpit canopy to provide for greater radio which could acquire up to 7,000 the kyhawk to operate laser-guided muni- with Reserve unit until August 1994,
forward and rearward visibility; and channels manually, the ARC-114/-114A tions, such a the AGM-65E Maverick, for when Marine Air Wing- 3s VMA-131
adding a new rectangular windshield, VHF/FM radio, an additional VHF use against hardened targcts. Thc ARB 'Diamondbacks' retired its last kyhawk
which increased the angle of vi ion down- ecured radio, and the improved AR -11 wa in tailed on several new builds and at A Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Lt
wards from 16-1 degrees and sideways (V) T ACA . The ARC-114/-114A radio retrofitted to older A-4Ms. At one point, Col George 'Eagle' Lake, Commander of
from 46-55 degrees. allowed voice communications in the consideration was given to renaming the VMA-131, made the final flight. In a
Externally, the A-4M differed by the VHF range of 30.00 to 75.95 MHz, and ARBS-equipped kyhawks a A-4Ys, but tribute quite fitting to the kyhawk's long
addition of a canted refuelling probe in could operate on anyone of 920 channels. that idea was eventually dropped. career, Bob Rahn, the man who piloted
place of the standard straight probe intro- Additional features on the A-4M included It was an A-4M that would be the the first kyhawk to the skies in 1956,
duced on the A-4B. This angled configu- installation of an improved electrical gen- 2,960th and last kyhawk produced, and delivered the closing tribute before VMA-
ration, bending outward to the right, was erator and a self-contained electrical later delivered to Marine Corps squadron 131 's pilots and crews.
necessitated by the need to prevent inter- starter, two items that also originated in VMA-331 on Z7 February 1979. To com- A total of 158 A-4Ms were built, plus
the two A-4Fs (BuNos 155042 and
155049) reworked to the -M standards for
prototype development. A-4Ms were
replaced in the Marine Corps' inventory
with another McDonnell Douglas product,
the A V- B Harrier II, and thirty-six would
later be refurbished for sale to Argentina
as the A-4AR Fightinghawks.
The parachute housing, seen on some foreign
variants, emerged on the A-4M and allowed
Skyhawks to land on shorter runways. Gary Campbell
82 83
TWO-SEAT KYHAWKS
CHAPTER THREE
Two-Seat Skyhawks
Despite the fact that the kyhawk had to in Douglas avy correspondence as TA-4E/TA-4F
been in service ince 1956, it was not until A4D-5Ts. Playing a ignificant role in
1964 that plans for a two-seat variant the Navy's decision to proceed with the Douglas modified BuNos 152102 and
gained momentum within the avy. two-seat variant was the need to use 152103 into the new design by adding
Douglas had long advocated a two-seater the single-seat A-4s currently used by the another 28in (7Icm) to the fuselage to
for usc in advanced training and to training command to replace the combat accommodate the tandem cockpit. This
enhance the overall mission but tight losses in Vietnam. resulted is some loss of range, due to the
budgetary constraints delayed this pro- A total of 555 two-seat Skyhawks were loss of 136 US gallons (515 litres) offuel,
posal for some time. In 1964, however, produced between 1965 and 1978, with but it was not viewed as significant as the
with the US becoming more involved in post-1969 production running parallel aircraft was intended as a combat trainer.
the Vietnam conflict, funding became with the A-4M. The A-4 seemed perfect In fact, Douglas offered to resolve this
available to study a two-seat kyhawk. for advanced navigation, type-training, problem by adding a 270 US gallon (J ,020
The Navy asked Douglas to produce two and fam iIiarization fl igh ts, not to mention litre) faired fuel tank to the top aft fuse-
prototypes out of the last two produc- certain combat role for which two sets lage, but the plan was rejected by avy
tion A-4Es (Bu os 1521 2 and 152103) of eyes would be better than one. T wo- officials.
which could serve as operational combat eat Cougar were already being u ed by Dougla also took the opportunity to
trainers. These would then be designated the Marine Corps for observation and incorporate further upgrades into the two-
as T A-4Es, although they were referred Forward Air Control (FA ) duties. seater that had been under development
This TA-4F, delivered on 10 July 1967, was the 2,OOOth Skyhawk. It was delivered to VF-126, the West Coast
instrument RAG, stationed at NAS Miramar. This squadron later provided two-seat Sky hawks for use as
dissimilar aircraft during the early years of Top Gun. Douglas Aircraft Co. via Aerospace Publishing
Douglas had long pushed for a two-seat Skyhawk on the basis that it would make a perfect trainer.
Douglas also suggested that a second 'set of eyes' might enhance certain missions then flown by the A-4.
The Navy resisted these suggestions at first, due to lack of money, but finally made the commitment in
A detachment of seven TA-4Js from VT-7 prepare for a mission at NAS Fallon, Nevada, during a February 1964, and ordered the last two A-4Es to be converted to the new configuration. This photo shows BuNo.
1984 weapons Del. Rick Morgan 152102 being flown by H. H. Knickerbocker on its maiden flight, 30 June 1965. Boeing Co. via author
84 85
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TWO-SEAT SKYHAWKS TWO-SEAT KYHAWKS
86 87
------------~ ------ - ~ -
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS TWO- EATSKYHAWKS
The TA-4J became the Navy's exclusive advanced jet trainer following the formation flying, tactics, and advanced air-to-air/air-to-ground (usually at NAF
initial delivery of fifty TA-4s to VT-21 and VT-22 at NAS Kingsville on 6 June EI Central. and Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM). The last step was carrier
1969. In the early 1970s, two-seaters began arriving at NAS Beeville, where qualifications, which during the 1970s and early 1980s was usually on USS
Training Command Three operated VT-24 and VT-25. Advanced jet training Lexington (CV-161. the Navy's dedicated training carrier, although fleet carri-
was formerly the responsibility of the TF-9 Cougar, but it had become ers were sometimes used when Lexington was unavailable. To graduate, stu-
outdated, and the new Skyhawk was welcomed with open arms. dents had to complete 270 flight hours and make six landings on the carrier.
The training of new Navy and Marine Corps pilots was overseen by the TW-6 trained the NFOs and VT-86 at NAS Pensacola was the squadron
Chief, Naval Aviation Training (CNATRAl at NAS Corpus Christi, who in turn responsible for running the syllabus. VT-86 students followed one of three syl-
reported to the Chief, Naval Education and Training (CNET) in Pensacola. labuses: Over-Water Jet Navigation (OJNl for EA-6B Prowler and A-6 Intruder
During the 1970s and 1980s, six training commands, called Training Wings crew members; Tactical Navigation (TNl, for the S-3 Viking community; and
(TWI. were organized under CNATRA to provide basic, intermediate, and Radar Intercept (RIL for the F-4 Phantom II, and later the F-14 Tomcat, com-
advanced flight training for both pilots and Naval Flight Officers (NFOs). The munity. TA-4Js were used by the RI instructor pilots to help teach prospective
six commands were located throughout the southern part of the US as Radar Intercept Officers (RIOsl how to work with pilots as a team and also
follows: TW-1 at NAS Meridian, Mississippi; TW-2 at NAS Kingsville, Texas; how to operate the radar and weapons gear while under the severe stress of
TW-3 at NAS Beeville, Texas; TW-4 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas; TW-5 at high g-forces.
NAS Whiting Field, Florida; and TW-6 at NAS Pensacola. Towards the end of the 1980s and early 1990s, the TA-4Js started to be
TA-4Js were flown by the advanced jettraining squadrons with TWs-1, -2, replaced by the Boeing T-45 Goshawk. NAS Meridian's VT-7 officially retired
-3, and -6. The three pilot 'pipelines', Training Wings 1-3, oversaw VTs-7, VT- its TA-4Js in an elaborate ceremony at the National Museum of Naval
21, -22, and VTs-24, -25 respectively. Instructor pilots from these squadrons Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, on 26 June 1999, although the last class did
taught students who had been selected for the strike community - the A-4, A- not complete its carrier qualifications until late September. Retd Adm
6, A-7, S-3, and later the F/A-18 and F-14. A typical TraCom pilot syllabus cov- Stanley R. Arthur, who commanded VA-164 from 8 July 1971 until 1 July
ered swept-wing familiarization or FAM, all-weather instrument flight, 1972, was the guest speaker.
This TA-4F hails from Marine unit H&MS-24 at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where it provided adversary
services for local Marine and Air Force squadrons. Bruce Trombecky
VT-25 was based at NAS Beeville, Texas, and flew from Chase Field. The 'Cougars' belonged to Training Wing Three.
The Marines used TA-4Fs like this one from H&MS-31, for Forward Air Control (FAC) missions in Vietnam. Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
This photo was taken in 1979 at NAS Moffit Field. Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
88 89
~- --- -- -
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS
TWO-S - T SKYHAWKS
VT-21 at NAS Kingsville was one of the first advanced jet training squadrons to receive the TA-4J. Two ex-RAN TA-4Gs are flanked by two TA-4Ks
Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
shortly after delivery to the RNZAF. RNZAF
90 91
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS TWO-SEAT SK YIIA WK
---
VT-4 operated out of NAS Pensacola under control of Training Wing Six. They are not known to have a squadron name. Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
on to underrake a wide range of training Interestingly, several T A-4Fs actually for proficiency and other administrative
duties. made their way into comhat during the support fl ights. Records show that
Piloted by H. H. Knickerbocker, the Vietnam War with several of the Marine H&M -II, -12, and -13 all participated
first TA-4E (Bu o. 152lO2) took to the Corps' Headquarters & Maintenance in this role during the war.
air on 3 June 1965, with the second quadrons (H&M ), later redesignated as everal A Lemoore-based squadron-
(Bu 10 .1521 3) followingshorrlyafteron Marine Aviation Logistics quadrons also used T A-4s for short periods; VA-
An VMAT-102 A-4M (back) flies with its TA-4J squadron mate. VMAT-102 provided instrument training for
Marine Corps pi lots. Harry Gann 2 August. Deliveries began on 19 May (MAL ). Taking advantage of the added 144 and VA-I95 had at least one, and
1966 to VA-125 at A Lemoore, which -et of eye, T A-4Fs were used by the VA-I64 actually took the type to sea
was the west coast squadron responsible Marines in the Fast Forward Air Control aboard USS Hancock in 1974 and 1975.
for training newly-winged pilots on the (Fast FAC) and Tactical Air Coordinator Their two-to-three two-seaters for use
A-4, as well as transitioning A-4 pilots ( irborne), or T C (), roles to co- with hand-held laser designators, called
who were assigned to A-4 operational ordinate air strikes, artill ry, and naval the Light Weight Laser (LWL). Measur-
squadrons. Deliveries to VA-44, who gunfire in support of ground units and, by ing 4Y2 X 4Y2 X lOin (l1.4 X 1104 X 2504cm)
shared these re ponsibilities, but for east using smoke rockets, to mark targets. The and weighing a mere Ib (3.6kg), the box-
coast pilots, and VMAT-I 2, the Marine T A-4F, with its high speed and modern shaped LWL wa aimed by the back-seater
Corps' Replacement Air Group (RAG), weapons suite, seemed a natural for this in the same fashion as one uses a camera.
began shorrly thereafter. role. These innovative applications would pecial goggle were worn to prevent
oon after the first flight, the avy later lead to the development of the damage to the eyes from reflected la er
decided to procure the A-4F, which OA-4M, a FACrrAC (A) variant of the light.
incorporated many of the new feature -4M. The T -4F' FAC mi sions over For such missions, the 'spotter' T A-4F
introduced on the T A-4E. The T A-4E South Vietnam began in late 1967 and arried two Aero-l fuel tanks on its
was then redesignated as the T A-4F. were flown primarily from Marine Corps inboard stations. Maintenance officers
A total of 241 T A-4Fs were produced, bases in Da ang and Chu Lai. R pia ing typically served as the designator in the
plus the two T A-4E prototypes. Over 100 the two-seat TF-9J Cougar formerly used aft cockpit. The accompanying strike
of these were later reworked to the by the Marines for this role, T A-4Fs would aircraft were then armed with Mk 82
VT-22 from Training Wing
T A-4J tandards and twent -three were al 0 mark targets. Reconnaissance was also LGBs on the outboard station and Mk
Two received its model Ts
on the same day as VT-21
converted into OA-4Ms for the a favoured T A-4F mis ion. The H&M 3 bombs on the inboar I, with a centre-
when a mass of fifty TA-4Js Marine Corps. Four were made into elec- units were selected for the Fast FAC and line tank. VA-164, on its 1972 cruise
were flown to Kingsville tronic warfare models, designated as T AC (A) roles becau e no two-seaters aboard the Hancock, used this T A-
from the Palmdale Plant EA-4Fs and used by VAQ-33 to fill the were assigned to VMA squadrons. The 4F/LWL combination in conjunction with
Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd role of surface fleet aggressors. H&MS units also were assigned T A-4F its laser-bomb touting -4Fs.
92 93
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS TWO-SEAT SKYHAWKS
This Skyhawk belongs to the Chief, Naval Aviation Training ICNATRAj and carries the '000' Modex, LI Cdr Rick Burgess USN ReId
94 95
- - - - - - - -- -- - - - ---
TWO-SEAT SKYHA WKS
This depicts the typical front TA-4J cockpit. This VT-7 'Marine' TA-4J, painted in the familiar orange and white scheme.
Ted Carlson hopes to beat the coming storm as it waits for the handler to remove the
chocks. Frank J. Mirande
EA-4F
Yet another use for the two-seat Skyhawk
came about when the US Navy surface
fleet set out to create their own version
of the Navy's successful Fighter Weapons
School. Impressed with the NFWS's
A-4s from the Marine Corps played an active role throughout the
ability to train pilots to counter Soviet air
Vietnam War, flying thousands of missions from their base at Chu LaL
forces, surface officers were anxious This A-4E from VMA-121 awaits final permission to taxi. Aerospace
to create a training environment where sur- Publishing
face ships could obtain the same experi-
ence in countering Soviet and Chinese-
built anti-surface weapons, such as the
Chinese Silkworm and the widely exported
French Exocet.
What resulted was the creation of the
Fleet Electronics Warfare Support Group
(FEWSG), which featured an electronic
aggressor squadron, designated VAQ-33
'Firebirds', which could electronically
simulate the signal of Soviet aircraft and
The A-4F was selected by the 'Blue Angels' to replace the F-4J
naval weapons systems. Fleet units would
Phantom II in late 1973 and began performing with the Flight
then develop tactics and electronic coun- Demonstration Team for its 1974 season. 'Blue Angel' No.1
termeasures designed to thwart such (BuNo. 155033) is seen here at Andrews AFB in May 1981.
weapons. After VAQ-33 relocated to Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN ReId
NAS Norfolk from Quonset Point, where
it was winding down as the last fleet
A-I Skyraider squadron, it subsequently
moved to N AS Key West in 1980 where
it enlisted a hodge-podge of naval aircraft
(the NC-I21K Constellation, ERA-3B
Skywarrior, EA-6A Electric Intruder, T A-
7C Corsair) to serve as the airborne
aggres ors.
The two-seat T A-4F was chosen for one
of these roles, and redesignated as the EA-
4F. Three T A-4Fs (BuNos 152869,
153481,154655) were so modified in 1970
at the McDonnell Douglas Long Beach
plant, with BuNo. 152852 converted in
1973 by fleet personnel at NAS Norfolk.
Externally, the EA-4Fs looked virtually
identical to their T A-4F counterparts,
given to up-rating the J52-P-408A 1978. H&MS-32 at MCAS Cherry Point, except for the absence of the gun barrels,
11,2001b (5,085kg) thrust engine, but that VA, was the first squadron to receive the modified canted probes, and modified
was rejected, a decision which later led to OA-4M in late 1979, with H&MS-12 at contoured nose-cones. The latter was
the OA-4M's fleet reputation of being MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and H&MS-13 at added to accommodate the installation of
underpowered. MCAS El Toro, California, following an internal jammer, which was apparently
These modifications were first installed in subsequent years. The OA-4M could never followed-up. They differed inter-
experimentally on T A-4F BuNo. 152856. carry a maximum warload of 6,500lb nally by the addition of wiring enabling
The first OA-4M, however, was BuNo. (2,950kg) and achieve a maximum level the use of chaff and jammers, and the
154294, which was outfitted at NATC speed 'clean' of 670mph (l,085km/h) at ability to carry external electronic stores,
Patuxent River and first flew on 23 May low level. including the AN/AST-4 jammer pod and
96
The first Skyhawk, BuNo. 137812, sits in front
of the Douglas plant for a publicity photo,
circa 1956. US Navy via author
Four TA-4Fs were modified as electronic 'aggressors' and served with VAQ-33 at
NAS Norfolk, then NAS Key West, and provided electronic support for the Fleet
Electronic Warfare Support Group. This EA-4F is pictured off the coast of Puerto
Rico in 1981. Only four Skyhawks were converted to this configuration. Rick Morgan
~---~-----
The A-4M's Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) was added in the mid-1970s to
enhance the Skyhawk's weapons delivery capability. Shown here in this close-
up of a VMA-131 Skyhawk is the ARBS TV sensor (centre) and lST (laser Spot
Trackerl. On each side of the nose are antennae for the AlR-45 radar warning
system. The two white antennae are for the AlQ-126 jamming system. John W.
Binford
Proving itself during the Vietnam War, the TV-guided AGM-62 Walleye was one of the
early 'smart' weapons and brought to the fleet the ability to send one plane after one
target. Here, a VMA-324 A-4M releases a Walleye over the Chocolate Mountain target
range in Southern California. Close inspection shows the pilot's head is down,
watching his screen. Harry Gann
This Marine Corps Reserve A-4E sits on the tarmac at NAS Key
West in April 1981 and is painted in the more colourful high-viz
markings that were prominent prior to the adoption of low-viz
two-tone grey scheme in the mid-1980s. Rick Morgan
Zuni rockets are fired from a steep-diving A-4M of VMAT-102. Harry Gann
Catapult crews hook an A-4E from VA-212 to the bow cat near the end of USS Hancock's 1965 cruise.
The Skyhawk carries Zuni rocket pods, drop fuel tanks, and a centreline-mounted Triple Ejector Rack (TER)
with four Mk 80 series bombs. Robert F. Dorr
Two-seat Skyhawks were also well-received by
the experimental and test community. Here, a
Skyhawk from Reserve Air Wing 81 (RAW-81) of
NAS Minneapolis, Minnesota, bears the markings
of the Naval Air Test Center at NAS Patuxent River.
Interestingly, the TA-4J retained its '7E' tail code.
Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
97
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS
TWO-S AT KYHAWKS
Many Composite Squadrons, such as VC-8, became full adversary squadrons during the early 1980s. Based
at NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, the 'Red Tails' first transitioned to the A-4 in 1967, receiving a batch
of A-4Bs to replace their ageing FJ-4D Furies. Note the bright red star tail markings designating it as an
adversary unit. Jim Winchester
ALQ-167 jammer. A target missile VAQ-33 Skyhawks (two EA-4Fs and two Virginia, until 1994, and BuNo. 158136,
launcher capability was also added. A new modified TA-4]s) flew a combined 1,142 with TW-2 until 1997. While other om-
panel was in tailed in the aft cockpit hours (approximately 18 per cent) of the posite squadrons had similarly modified
allowing the Naval Flight Officer ( FO) squadron's total of 6,286 flight hours T A-4s, none were designated as EA-4Fs.
to operate the electronic equipment. during 1986.
Electronic exercises with fleet units One EA-4F, Bu o. 152869, was lost
were performed on both coasts by VAQ- in April 1980 in olorado following Composite Squadrons
33 until the formation, in 19 3, of a ister an oil system failure. The avy later
unit, VAQ-34, at NA Point Mugu, replaced this with a T A-4J, Bu ]0. Fleet ompo ite (VC) squadrons emplo-
California. VAQ-34 requested its own 154343, that was modifi d to carry the yed the T A-4 in a variety of role as they
EA-4Fs, but this was rejected due to a various pods, but not rede ignated. A attempted to support the fleet units. The
hortage ofTA-4 airframes in the jet train- second EA-4F, Bu o. 154655, was lost primary VC function, until the advent of
ing command. Aggre sor missions would in 1985, off A orth Island, di similar adver ary service in the mid-
often involve the EA-4F using an A T-4 California, due to an engine failure. It, 197 s and early 19 Os, wa fleet support,
pod to imulate an incoming cruise missile. also, was replaced by a modified T A-4, which ranged from transporting VI Ps to
This pod produced a signal similar to that Bu o. 15 136, but not rede ignated. towing or launching targets for other avy
emitted by a missile seeker and provided a The remaining two served with VAQ- aircraft and ships. T A-4Js frequently
near-live 'threat' to locate and identify. 33 until March 1988 and ended their ser- pulled TDU-series towed targets for
Combining the AST-4 touting Skyhawks vice life with VC-8 (Bu o. 152 52) and strafing or missile firings, and launched
with other VAQ-33 aircraft created a very VC-10 (BuNo. 1534 1) on 5 and 9 BQM-34 Firebees or AQM-3 7A super-
effective electronic training scenario for October 1990, respectively. The two mod- son ic targ ts for fleet exercises.
An in-flight VT-U 'Golden Eagle' from Training Wing Two. The TA-4J played a integral role in advanced jet
fleet EW operators. As evidence of the ified T A-4Js continued to serve - Bu o. Six Fleet and two Reserve Composite
training for nearly twenty years until replaced by the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk. Bob Thomas via
EA-4F's usefulness in this role, the four 154343, with VF-43 at A Oceana, squadrons were active during the 1970s. Robert F. Dorr
98 99
TWO-SEAT SKYHAWKS TWO- T SK YHA WKS
A VFC-13 TA-4J makes a final approach at NAF EI Centro in early 1990. The squadron began at NAS New
Orleans in 1973 and moved to Miramar in 1976 to augment VC-7. Many of its original members were from
VSF-76 and VSF-86, which were disestablished in 1973. later that year, the' Saints' traded in their A-4ls for
two-seat Skyhawks and since acquired A-4E and A-4F single-seaters as supplements. The 'Saints' continue
in their adversary role today, although they traded in their A-4s for F/A-18 Hornets in 1994. Ted Carlson
f the six Fleet squadrons, two were was disestablished in Ocrober 1980 and their disestabl ishment. VC-13 did th
forward-deployed in the Pacific ro VC-5 in eptember 1992. samc in 1976 when it went to Miramar.
assist neet unit during their WestPa Two VC squadrons served in the Both VC- 2 and VC- 7 were d ise tabl ished
crui es. V -1 was based at AS Barber's Caribbean; VC-8 operat d out of NA in October 1980, with the Reserve units
Point, Hawaii. With its Marine orps Roosevelt Roads and served Atlantic assuming all VC duties. VC-l and VC-5
brethrcn H&MS-31 (later MAL -31), oast neet units and squadrons. V -10's stood down in September 1992.
VC-I new support for neet units out 'Challengers', nying out of MCAS
of Pearl Harbour, Air Force F-15s at Guantanamo Bay, uba, serv d a dual role An interesting photo of TA-4E BuNo. 152102 with four AIM-9 Sidewinders. US Navy via Aerospace Publishing
Hickam AFB, and Marine Corps as neet support and air defence for the How the TA-4 Impacted
squadrons from MCAS Kaneohe Bay. V - Marines based at Gitmo. Because of their Top Gun and the
5 operated out of Cubi Point in the air defence mission, itmo's T A-4Js were
Adversary Squadron
Philippines and provided neet support f I' the last remaining U -operated two-seat Top Gun's founders quickly work d out Instrument Squadrons following summary discusses how thes
forward-deployed units, such a kyhawk configured to carry the A1M-9 an arrangement with VF-126, the we t squadrons became involved in the adver-
Midway based in Japan and those carriers Sidewinder. Both squadron are opera- No true I' view of the two-seat kyhawk coast instrument RAG, to u e some of In the late 1960s and early 1970s, four sary role.
deploying ro WestPac or the Persian tional at the time of writing and are still can be complcte without some discus ion their T -4Fs in the adversary role. It has squadron served the Navy as so-called
Gulf/Indian Ocean (PG/IO). VC-I dises- nying the TA-4J. of its role in the establishment of Top Gun, b n reported that famed MiG-killer 'instrument squadrons', each nying the
VAjVF43
tabli hed in eptember 1992 and VC-5 Two Reserve V quadrons were the avy Fighter Weapons School, or in Randy Cunningham credits the moves he T A-4J. These squadrons were responsible
discstablished in eptembcr 1992, when formed on I eptember 1973; VC-12 the emphHsis on dissimilar aircraft adver- learned from Top Gun stud nts nying the for providing all-weather instrument Based at AS Oceana, the 'Challeng rs
Cubi Point was closed. 'Fighting Omar 'at A Detroit, Mich- sary training that nourished from 1973 VF-126 T A-4Js as being, in part, re ponsi- ground and night training to naval avia- received their first kyhawk during the
Back in the tates, two Composite igan, and VC-13 ' aint' at A ew until 199 . When Top Gun was formed in ble for his air combat ucce se in Vietnam. tors en route to Fleet squadrons from the early I960s for use in the instrumentation-
squadrons operated in conjunction with Orleans, Mi si sippi. The ' aints' were 1969 funds were short. Instructors, who Top Gun would later go on to acquire its training command. Two of these squad- training role but it was not until 1970
the fighter-oriented master jet bases. formed in part with memb rs of the then- still were working out of a trailer at AS own A-4s as it became a separate com- rons were located on the east coast - VA- that th y began nying some limited Air
VC-2 resided at NA Oceana, while disestablished V F-76 and - 6, the Miramar, had to look for aircraft wherever mand, nying stripped-down vel' ions of the 43's 'Challengers' operated out of NA Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) training. In
VC-7 was based at NA Miramar. Both Reserve Anti- ubmarine Fighter squad- they might be found. Since Top Gun A-4E, A-4F and uper Fox, and finally the Key West and VA-45's 'Blackbirds' new 197 , the adversary role was added to their
new support mission for their respective rons intended to supplement V F-I and began as a part of the West Coast F-4 A-4M, before transitioning to the F/A-! out of NA Oceana. VA-126, called the training mission and squadron aircraft
coast squadrons and neets, and were -3. Both Reserve V units operated the RAG, VF-121, finding Phantoms was not in 1994. At one point, the A-4, together 'Bandits', new at A Miramar and VA- started to receive the camounage paint-
augmented in 1975-6 with the rebasing A-4L. VC-12 moved to Oceana in 1975 the real problcm. Rather, the difficulty was with the F-5E, was the mainstay of Top 127's 'Desert Bogeys' at AS Lemoore, schemes that traditionally designated this
of the two R serve VC squadrons. VC-2 and took over VC-2's duties following finding adversary aircraft. Gun's adversary force. then at Fallon, new on the west coast. The role. In 1978, VF-43 was ordered to make
100 707
TWO-SEAT SK YHA WKS TWO- - T KYHAWKS
Instrument RAGs helped train naval aviators en route to the Fleet squadrons and fleet-experienced aviators returning to the cockpit who need instruments
refreshers. One such squadron was VA-45 based at NAS Oceana. Originally designated as a VA squadron, the 'Blackbirds' received authorization to fly dissimilar
ACM missions in 1976 and later assumed the mission completely. In recognition of this. they were redesignated as VF-45 in 1985. US Navy via author
One of the early duties of the Composite Squadrons was target towing. Here. a VC-1 A-4E flies near Hawaii
adversary activities their number one were redesignated as VF-45 in 1985. The variants in the DACM role, in addition to with a TDU-10 Dart target package installed. US Navy via Aerospace Publishing
priority. One of the squadron's most 'Blackbirds' flew single and two-scat A-4s, F-5Es, and later F-16 s. This quadron
significant innovations was the creation plus a mixture of F-5s and later F-16 s, stood down in 1994.
of the Fleet Fighter ACM Readiness Pro- a special version of the F-16 designed for
gram (FFRAP), which became a standard use by the Navy_ VF-45 taught DACM to AS Fallon, where it flew adversary operated a similar detachment called VF- support missions and were performing
VA/VF-127 missions in support of the Navy's trike 171 KW Det., also equipped with A-4Es. adversary work. As the original V
part of the VF-IOI's F-14 instructional Hornet and Tomcat pilots alike, both a
syllabus. FFRA P was a series of lectures fleet units an I for the community RAGs, VA-I27 began as a detachment of VF- Warfare Center. VFA-I27 was disestab- VF-171' Det. stood down in 19 4. quadrons stood down, their DACM
and dissimilar ACM missions flown by later called Fleet Replacement quadron 126, referred to as VF-126 Det. Alpha, lished in 1993, with VFC-13 assuming its duties were assumed by VC-12 and VC-13,
RAG students against the adversary (FRS), as part of their tactics and ACM providing instrument training to squad- adversary role. both of wh ich were rede ignated in 19 7
pilots. VF-43 stood down in 1994 due to training phases. VF-45 remains today, rons at NAS Lemoore. In May 1970, Two other squadrons operated a small VC Change of Mission to VFC units, to reflect their primary role
budgetary constraints associated with the although its Skyhawks were retired in VF-127 took over the role of A-4 commu- number of A-4s for the adversary role. VF- as fleet adversary squadrons. Both
massive military downsizing of the early 1994. nity RAG as VA-125 was stood down and 10l, the east coast Tomcat RAG, kept The idea of adversary squadrons caught on squadrons flew their A-4s until 1994 when
1990s. VA-In handled the new A-7. It served three A-4Es in its VF-IO 1 KW Oct, VF- fast and by 1975 virtually all of the then- they were traded in for the newer F/A-18
in this role until July 1975. hortly after 171, the RAG for the F-4 Phantom II, remaining VC squadrons had hed their Hornet.
VA/VF-126
that, the squadron was officially desig-
VA/VF-45
Again an instrumentation RAG, this nated as an adversary unit. As with all
This squadron began as VA-45 and, as squadron, located at NA Miramar, was other squadrons performing the adversary
with VF-43, served as an instrument long noted as the premier adversary role, VF-I27 adopted the camouflage
RAG. It was based at AS Key West squadron. VF-126 developed a counterpart schemes of the foreign threat nations. One
and began operating two- eat variants training programme for the fighter com- VF-I27 aircraft was even painted with the
of the kyhawk in 1967. On 16 August munity, called Turnaround ACM Program silhouette of a MiG-17. In 19 7, with the
1976, the' Blackbirds' were authorized to (T P), which was later meshed into one F/A-18 taking such a prominent position
begin providing dissimilar ACM (DACM) programme with the East Coast FFRAP. in the force structure, the squadron was
training and, in recognition of this role, VF-126 flew A-4E, -F, -M, and T A-4J redesignated as VFA-I27 and moved to
702 703
SKYI-IAWKS T Wf\R
CHAPTER FOUR
Skyhawks at War
Probably nothing te ts the endurance 7 Marine Corps kyhawk were lost to The Skyhawk Has a Few
capabilities of an aircraft more than enemy action in the conAict.
combat. In this regard, the A-4 Skyhawk Skyhawks suffered from the same hand-
Close Calls
performed admirably, Aying thousands icap that plagued all military operations The 1958 Lebanon Crisis saw the
of missions for both Navy and Marine in Vietnam, as overly burdensome polit- Sky hawk on the verge of combat, as two
orps squadrons in one of the nation's ical restraints unnecessarily prolonged the carrier from the US Navy's Sixth Fleet,
darkest hours, the Vietnam War. From war and prevented military objectives USS aratoga (CVA 60/CVG-3) and US
its beginning on 5 August ] 964 to the from being achieved. everthelcss, the A- Essex (CVA 9/ TG-201), stood offshore
last mission Aown in January ] 973, 4 earned a reputation as a tough, rugged, ready to provide air cover for the Marines
Skyhawk Aew hundreds of thousands of reliable war-horse, that would later go on who had gone ashore under Operation
sorties, both from aircraft carriers on to help drive export sales to foreign Bluebat to help keep the peace and to
Yankee and Dixie Station and from governments so impre sed by the Scooter's allow Lebanese Army units to go into the
Marine Corps bases at Da ang, hu performance that they, too, wanted the countryside to defeat leftist guerrillas. The
Lai, and later Bien Hoa. 196 Navy and A-4 for frontl ine role. kyhawks aboard Saratoga included V -
These A-4Es from the USS Oriskany are carrying a load of Mk 83 bombs and a centreline tank as they
prepare to go 'feet dry' over Vietnam. The Skyhawks belong to VA-163 'Saints'. us Navy via author
34' 4D-1s, while VA-83 aboard Essex cribed by Cdr James L. Holloway III, cally armed with two or four pod of 2Xin
flew A4D-2s. USS WaS/), although it had skipper of VA-83 aboard USS Essex: (6.9cm) rockets, which could be fired
no A-4s, also stood ready to assi t. sin Iy or in salvos and would have been
One of the missions assigned to The other two-thirds of our aircraft were particularly useful against trucks or lightly
kyhawk units during that crisis included employed on surveillance missions, which armed vehicl s. Full ammunition was
providing a nuclear deterrent against any consisted mainly of flying horder patrols around also carried for the twin Mk 12 20mm
pos ible oviet retaliation, for oviet the perimeter of Lehanon, the Israeli side as cannons.
Premier I ikita Khrushchev had threat- well as the yrian SIde. We also conducted With two carriers on station, air cover-
ened to strike at the carriers and turn route reconnaissance, involving flying over age re ponsibilitie were often rotated,
th m into 'flaming coffins'. At least one- some of the main roads leading out of the prin- with one air group taking responsibility for
third of the carrier' kyhawk tood cipal cities of Sidon, Tyre and Beirut and full air operation while the other stood
nuclear alert during the crisis, with some through the mountains into the Bekka Valley down for replenishment. Thi 'stand-
A-4s even loaded and on deck. American and from there across the border. The purpose down' generally took place every four to
carrier aircraft paid close attention for of the border patrols was to detect the incur- fiv days. These carriers provided much-
ign of any Soviet fleet movement from sion of any foreign military forces, and the road needed air coverage for the Marines for
ports in the Black Sea, but that never recces were just to keep track of what was approximately one month, until US ir
This VA-86 Sidewinder CAG '00' A-4E starts down the port catapult aboard USS Independence (CVA 62) during its 1965 Vietnam cruise, 1 July 1965 marked the material ized. moving on the roads in Lehanon n Force units could be moved into place at
squadron's baptism into combat, flying raids against targets in South Vietnam from Dixie Station. Stations one and five appear to carry Mk 83 1,OOOIb bombs. The mainstay of the Skyhawks' mis- the A TO air base in Adana, Turkey.
us Navy via Tailhook Association sions, however, was survei lIance, as des- For these missions, kyhawks were typi- The entire operation ended on 25 October
704 705
SKYHAWKSATWAR SKYHAWK AT WAR
Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and those ment. The operation was no less than a and V IA-533 being transferred from
involved in the now-infamous Cuban total failure, as the uban nationalist MCA Cherry Point to A Key West
Missile Crisis in October 1962. Alarmed by were quickly captured by Ca tro's force. and VMA-324 tran ferred to the same
the activities of Fidel Castro in opposition The Cuban Missile ri is followed in base from MCAS Beaufort. Beaufort's
to Cuba's Dictator Fulgen io Batista, the October 1962, as the U sought to remove VMA-331 was moved to AS Roosevelt
US government sponsored an invasion of recently-deployed Soviet SS-4 Sandal and Roads and VMA-I21, the only west coast
Cuba, called Operation Zapata, which SS-5 Skan IRBMs. Also deployed to Cuba VMA unit affected, was ent to NAS
involved transporting US-trained Cuban were various Soviet-built MiG fighters and Cecil Field. VMA-224 remained on alert
refugees to a remote landing spot called the A-2 AM units, as well as 11-28 'Beagle' at MCA Cherry Point.
Bay of Pig. Providing air support for those tactical bombers. In an effort to concen- The alert had an equal impact on the
landings was a collection of U avy trate air power in the south-east of the avy, where the carriers Enter/)rise
ships, including U Essex, with VA-106, United tate to support OpPlan 312, the (CVAN 65), S Essex (CV 9), and
deployed as part of CVG-10. The air strike option against the Cuban sites, S Inde/)endence (CVA 63) were
kyhawks tood ready but Pre ident John approximately half of the U Marine deployed to the Caribbean. U Randol/)h
F. Kennedy refused to call them into action Corps' A-4 squadrons were placed on alert (CV IS), an anti- ubmarine carrier, was
in an effort to prevent any direct involve- starting on 22 October, with VMA-242 also tasked into service in support of the
A veteran of World War II, USS Essex ICVA 91 is seen here with a complement of A-4 Skyhawks lined down
her deck. The Essex stood ready with VA-34 to provide air cover for US Marines ashore in the 1958 Lebanon
Crisis. US Navy via author
195 , when the Marine withdrew after the region and U Essex, now freed from often a part of carrier patrols off Central
General Fouad hehab, former head of its duties off Lebanon, was ordered to America, as the attempted to contain
the Lebanese Army, was elected Pre ident. 'chop' from the Mediterranean to the the spread of ommunism to countries
As the Lebanon crisis W<lS coming to an western Pacific. Despite sever<ll exchanges such as icaragua and Guatemala. During
end, US carrier forces were again sent into of shelling and the downing of four November 1960, for example, Skyhawks
harm's way during the summer of 1958 Communist China MiG-17s by ROCAF from VAs-12, -15, and -106 stood ready
when a dispute aro e between ommunist F-86Fs, the matter came to an end with a aboard SS ShangJ·i-La as it steamed
hina and Taiwan over the islands of cease-fire announced on 6 October. 0 through the Carribean as part of the
Quemoy and Mat u. Quickly dispatched shot were fired by force. Of these Carribean Task Force. kyhawks aboard
were the eventh Fleet carrier U named carrier, only Hancock, Essex, and U Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV A 42)
Hancock (CV 19) and Lexington Lexington operated a contingent of A-4s. performed similar mi sions in 1963 off the Skyhawks from USS Shangri-La ICVA 38) stood ready to assist democratic nations throughout the
(CV 10), which took up stations east of Other operations also took the Dominican Republic. Caribbean resisting the spread of communism during the early 1960s. Here, a formation of A40-2s led by
Taiwan. S Midway (CVA 41), with its Skyhawks to the brink of combat action. then Lt Cdr Otto E. Kruger, from CVG-l0's VA-l06 squadron fly overhead. The 'Gladiators' flew three variants
Most notable, however, were the units
nuclear weapons arsenal, was also sent to of the A-4 until disestablished in November 1969. US Navy via author
During the early 1960s, Skyhawks were sent to provide support for the disastrous
106 107
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYI-IAWKS TWAR
A-4Bs with VA-l06 squadron were stationed with the Air Force's 19th Tactical Air Force during the Cuban This photo, taken during VA-86's late 1958, early 1959 cruise, shows an A-4B tanking one of three squadron mates while circling USS Randolph (CVA 15).
Missile Crisis. The 'Gladiators' later deployed to Vietnam, but the cruise was cut short by the tragic fire Sky hawks were often used to provide tanking services around the carrier. VA-86 Skyhawks provided operational detachments for several of the anti-submarine
aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 591 that killed eight squadron members. US Navy via author carriers during 1963, for which they were equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinders. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
blockade forces. A Cecil Field's VA- role was the kyhawk. Indeed, dr John measure gear, began to appear in Fleet
106 was as igned temporarily to the Air Nichols and Barrett Tillman said it best squadrons and would eventually comprise
Force' 19th Tactical Air Force, where its in their book, On Yankee tation, when the majority of A-4 squadrons supporting
A-4s stood alert. Tensions mounted they described the vital role played by the the war. By the end of the war, A-4Fs had
quickly and US forces were placed on a A-4 in just one short, but remarkably deployed on twenty-five cruises.
DEF ON Two level, meaning that fore s accurate summation: 'If one airplane kept In many air wings, the kyhawk
were deployed for a nuclear confl ict, at us in the air over North Vietnam, it was squadrons flew different variants on the
the height of the stand-off. Most of these the -4'28 same cruise. A good example was CVW-
A-4 units remained on alert, despite the The Skyhawk's role in the Vietnam air 5, wh ich, in 1969, deployed to U S Bon
apparent calming of events in late campaign was crucial as the diminutive Homme Richard with V A-ZZ and VA-94
October, unti I December 1962 when the Scooter formed the ba kbone of the flying A-4Fs, and VA-144 flying A-4Es
last 11-28 'Beagles' left. Navy's light attack squadrons. During the Also deploying that year was CVW-I0'
In an interesting foreshadow of future early years, most of the Skyhawks involved VA-36 and VA-66, with their A-4 s, and
events, Marine A-4s were called upon were A-4C and A-4E models. Indeed, A- VA-I06 with A-4Es. VA-95's 'Green
to provide air support for a Marine 4Cs went to sea on forty-four cruises, Lizards' would take the A-4C on cruise a
Expeditionary Force (MEF) sent to Thai- while -Es deployed on thirty-eight cruises. total of four times, with VA-163's' aints'
land in mid-1962 to help defend against On a few occasions A-4Bs were deployed, taking the Echo to cruise the same
a Communi t threat to the Thai govern- fir t with VA-15 and VA-95, and later number. Two squadrons, VA-55 and VA-
ment. VMA-332's A-4C deployed to with V F-3 in 1966, aboard lnrrepid. 212, shared the Foxtrot honour with five
dorn, Thailand. Thi unit was with- A-4Bs also deployed with the A W A-4F cruises, four of which were aboard
drawn on 2 July without having flown any carriers U Bennigwn (CV 20) and U Hancock.
combat sorties. Kearsage (CV 33) with VA-l13 To the surprise of many, two- eat
Det. Q and V A-153 Det. R, respectively. Skyhawk also deployed with the carriers
The A-4Es certainly presented the more including two cruis s to Vietnam. VA-
Naval Air Operations in desirable model, with its greater range and 164 went to sea aboard the Hancock in
Vietnam additional hardpoint . 1972, '73, and '75 with a small contin-
In late December 1967, the more gent of T A-4Fs. At the time, on-looker
The Navy's role was almost ex lusively capable A-4F models, with their aft thought that th se were merely for pilot
one involving air power and key to that avionics hump full of electronic counter- training while on cruise, but in reality, Illustrative of the ruggedness of its design, this damaged A-4 fought its way back to its carrier following a serious encounter with
North Vietnamese anti-aircraft artillery. US Navy via author
708 709
- - ---
--
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
SKYI-IAWKS AT WAR
A VA-95 A-4 sits with an AGM-12 Bullpup. The 'AJ' markings belong to CVW-8, which cruised the
Mediterranean Sea aboard USS Shangri-La in 1968. US Navy via author
Four VA-66 Bravos pose in formation in June 1961 operations with USS Intrepid (CVA 11). The lead and left Air Force and Navy air operations over North Vietnam were controlled by two with RP VI-A, the northern segment, including Hanoi and the airfields at
wing are carrying AGM-12 Bullpup missiles while the remaining Skyhawks carry iron bombs. US Navy via groups; the Commander, Second Air Division, in Saigon, and the Commander Kep, Gia Lam, and Phuc Yen. RP VI·B was to the south and included
Tailhook Association of Task Force 77. When the air war began, the sparse number of approved Haiphong and Hon Gai and the MiG base at Kein An. RP VI-A was assigned
targets in the North created a 'competition' between the services as to who to the Air Force and RP VI-B assigned to the Navy.
could strike a particular target. Service strikes were often duplicative of one
another, due in part to poor communications. In an attempt to remedy this, Carrier Stations
the two-seaters went along to provide The Carriers Fran/din D. Roosevelt, when CVW-I was days were divided into three-hour slots, for which control would alternate
hand-held laser designation for laser- stocked with VAs-Il, -72, and -172. between the Navy and the Air Force. While theoretically appearing sound, Because the carriers steaming off the coast of Vietnam never faced any
guided munitions, as no laser designating A total of twenty-one carriers fought off Although it would not be until mid-May this soon proved to be a problem, as weather delays continued to cause con- significant threat of air attack, they could generally cruise in the same loca-
pods were then available. the shores of Vietnam as part of Task Force fusion about who would hit a particular target. tion. Two stations that would become well-known terms in the life of naval
of 1967 before another air wing would
In all, thirty-six A-4 squadrons deployed 77, serving some 9,178 days on the line. Of Co-ordination of these efforts was eventually given to the Rolling Thunder aviators were Yankee Station in the north, and Dixie Station in the south.
deploy with three A-4 squadrons, that
on a record I 12 cruises over the course of these carriers, U S Hancock made eight Armed Reconnaissance Coordinating Committee (RTARCC, later RTCCI. In Gen Westmoreland was so impressed with the performance of Navy and
would later become the tandard for the November 1966, the RTARCC devised a plan to divide North Vietnam into six Marine aviators operating from USS Midway and USS Hancock during the
the nine-year war, with ome squadrons, combat cruises; U Ranger, Coral Sea, mall deck 'Essex' class carriers (U Route Packages, the control of which would alternate between the services early part of 1965 that he lobbied for the establishment of a permanent
namely VA-55's 'Warhorses', VA-I64's Oriskany, and Constellation; made seven Hancock, Bon Homme Richard, Shangri-La, on a weekly basis. This also proved problematic, and control over the station off the coast of South Vietnam. This became Dixie Station and was
'Ghostriders', and VA-212's 'Rampant combat cruises; and U Kitty Hawk, Bon and Oriskany) as the war wound down. individual RPs was eventually permanently assigned. staffed initially by USS Oriskany (CVA 341. Seventh Fleet carriers deploying
Raiders', seeing as many a eight deploy- Homme Richard, and Enterprise made six With an average of fourteen kyhawks Route Package I began at the DMZ and ran north to the Mu Gai Pass. to Task Force 77 would often begin their line periods by serving a few days
ment . The number of A-4 losses, 196 cruises. per squadron, the three-A-4 squadron air Because of its proximity to the fighting in the south, command of RP I was or weeks at Dixie Station as a 'warm up' for operations 'up North'. Dixie
Navy aircraft, reflects the aircraft's high Skyhawks were operated from all of the wing composition gave the small deck given to Gen William C. Westmoreland, Commander, US Ground Forces, Station was eventually discontinued in August 1966 as sufficient Air Force
rate of usage rather than its vulnerability. carriers, although most A-4s were phased carriers a powerful complement of forty- Vietnam. Route Packages II, II, and IV ran along the coast and extended to assets had been located in South Vietnam and Thailand to support ground
In fact, most pilots would agree that the out of the large decked ships beginning two strike aircraft. These A-4s typically just below the Hanoi/Haiphong area, stopping at an imaginary line someway operations in the south.
kyhawk was one of the most survivable in December 1967 with the introduction from Hanoi. These RPs were given to the Navy. RPs III and IV carried much of Yankee Station was the base for all operations against North Vietnam
flew their missions with F-8 rusaders
plane in the inventory. It was also one of the A-7 Corsair [[ aboard U S Ranger. the traffic south, with major transportation facilities located in RP IV. The and the point from which the majority of Navy strikes were conducted
providing escort or flak suppression. The infamous Thanh Hoa Bridge and the Dong Suong and Quang Lang airfields during the war. Initially located due east of the DMZ, Yankee Station moved
of the most reliable aircraft of the war, The smaller deck carriers (U Essex, larger carriers substituted their A-4s and were in that RP. north beginning in April 1966 to a point east of Vinh, then moved south with
with availability number reaching 90- Hancock, Intrepid, Yorktown, Oriskany, and A-Is with Intruders and Corsair and the The Air Force was assigned responsibility for Route Package V, the most the end of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1968. It moved north again during
100 per cent at time. Key to this was Ticonderoga) typically operated two A-4 newer F-4 Phantom II for the rusaders, north-eastern part of North Vietnam. This assignment made sense, as Air 1972 during the Operation Linebacker raids, at one point coming within 70
the simplicity of it de ign, which allowed squadrons, with a third added in early with the A-7s taking over the /Ton Hand Force planes based in Thailand were much closer to the targets. Route miles (113km) of Haiphong. Yankee Station was generally staffed by two to
even major damage to be repaired fairly 196 following the exit of the A-I mi sions. Package VI was considered the 'hot spot,' as it contained Hanoi and three carriers 'on the line' and was unquestionably considered more
quickly. kyraider. The fir t three A-4 squadron Of special interest was the late 1965 Haiphong. This RP was sub-divided at the north-eastern rail line into China, hazardous by the pilots and air crews who flew there.
cru i e took place in 1966/7 aboard U cruis of USS Enter/Jrise. For this, the
110 111
SKYHAWKS AT WAR KYIIAWKS AT WAR
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A flight of four VA-93 A-4Cs carry gun pods and napalm en route to a target in South Vietnam. These planes are from USS Enterprise and were one of four A-4
squadrons deployed on the late 1965 cruise. us Navy via Boeing flistorical Archives via Harry Gann
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• A-4Fs such as this from VA-55 in 1972 made a total of twenty-five squadron war cruises and represented the last Navy Skyhawks to fly combat missions over
Vietnam. VA-55 took the Foxtrot on four Vietnam cruises, participating in Operations Freedom Train and Endsweep, and was aboard USS Hancock for the
Published with the permission of the Naval Institute Press. Skyhawk's final cruise in 1975. Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN ReId
112 113
SKYHAWK AT \ AR
SKYHAWK AT WAR
774 775
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
KYHA WKS AT W R
bridge. Added to this were another 569 Vietnam from Yankee tation were flown Barrel Roll operations began during
structures Iisted as 'damaged'.JO Later that by A-4 . December 1964.
month, U Kitty Hawk, while operating Operations from Yankee Station were
on Dixie Station, flew an average of 100 conducted as either Alpha strikes or cy lic
ortie per day. When Marine air and Air Flight Operations
op , with the latter predominating and
Force units started arriving in outh The nature of carrier air operations generally based on a ninety-minute cycle.
Vietnam in larger numbers, Dixie tation differed slightly depending upon which The Alpha strike concept most closely
stood down in August of 1966, after fifteen station the carrier were operating from. re embled those strikes seen during World
months of operations. Those flown from Dixie Station concen- War 11 in the Pacific, with carriers
Yankee Station provided the bulk of trated on close air support and interdic- launching a full deck of aircraft. Alpha
carrier operations during the war, with tion. Attention was given to individual strikes were launched against briefed
three and sometimes four carriers on bombing division tactics, and use of targets, such a rail yards, bridges, and
station at any given time. Line periods Forward Air Controllers (FACs). Later in POL complexes, and would become one
were long and carrier turn-around times the war effort, carriers from Dixie tation of the most commonly known phrases
short, making wartime deployments (and ome from Yankee tation) flew 0- when discussing naval aviation in the
commonplace for many of the west coast called Steel Tiger missions over the pan- Vietnam War.
A-4 squadrons. Yanke tation began at handle region of Laos. For such strikes, First con eived in April 1965 in refer-
a spot approximately due cast of the DMZ it was mandatory to get clearance from ence to the large deck strikes against tar-
and was moved north to a point east of Laotian FACs before releasing any gets in the 'Alpha' region of orth
Vinh in April 1966 as more targets were weapons further than 200ft (61 m) from a Vietnam, it was not until 5 March 1966
opened up in orth Vietnam. At one highway. These trikes were about as that one was acrually launched. Whether
point, it wa even moved as close a 70 frequent as the Alpha strikes (described launched from a large or small deck car-
Although belonging to a Marine Corps H&MS unit, this TA-4F is representative of those attached to Navy VA squadrons during the early 1970s to provide hand-held miles (112km) from Haiphong. Over one- below) launched from Yankee tation and rier, the numerical composition of a max-
laser designation of targets. VA-163 is known to have taken at least two of the model Ts aboard its 1972 and 1973 cruises. Michael Grove third of all Navy flights into North were essentially a continuation of the imum-effort Alpha strike remained about
only V F-3 saw action in Vietnam when POW. Ten more aircraft, including three aviator has described operations on Dixie
it deployed with U Intrepid in 1967. A-4s, were lost in operational accidents. tation as a 'picnic.' Part of this compar-
ince the submarine threat proved to be ison, however, may be due to the ab en e
an empty one, many of these kyhawks ofMiGsand A-2sitesin outhVietnam,
Stations of Operation
were assigned to traditional attack roles which made mi ions significantly less
supporting Operation Rolling Thunder Carrier operations were conducted from intense. apt Wynn F. Foster describes
strikes. two 'station,' one off outh Vietnam in life on Dixie tation:
During the course of the war, 199 the outh hina ea, called 'Dixie Sta-
kyhawks would be lost in combat, with tion,' and the other in the Tonkin Gulf, Missions flown from Dixie tanon were consid-
eighty- ix lost to operational incidents. Of outh of Hanoi, called 'Yankee tation'. ered safer than those flown from Yankee
these combat losses, two were A-4Bs, As the geographics would suggest, Dixie Station, the carrier; operation area for the
eighty-one were A-4Cs, and 107 were A- Station provided air cover for operations northern war. Friendly troops operated in many
4Es. Nineteen -4Fs were lost and one in outh Vietnam and even into Laos and areas of South Vietnam, but there were no
T A-4F. Approximately 130 of these losses ambodia. E tablished in May 1965, it friendly forces on the ground in orth Vietnam.
were from AA ,with another thirty-six was typically taffed by one carrier. Prior Enemy anti-aircraft fire in the south was virtu-
from AMs. Fifteen were downed by small to that, aircraft from the carriers ally nonexistent, whde missions launched from
anns and automatic fire and only one wa Midwa)' and US oral Sea, in addition Yankee tation routinely encountered moder-
lost to a MiG. to Marine Corps F- E fighters operating ate-tn-heavy AAA.
Of all the Vietnam cruises, none were from USS Oriskany, flew operations in the Except for the live ordnance we carried and
as costly as those of Air Wing 16 aboard south. According to reports, th flying so enemy small-arms fire - hazardous primarily to
USS Oriskany from May-November 1966 impressed General William C. Westmore- a pilot who pu lied out too low from an attack
and June 1967-January 1968. During the land, Commander, Ground Forces, run - our dawn-to-dusk operations from Dixie
1966 cruise, CVW-16 lost sixteen aircraft Vietnam, that he in isted the avy tation Station were not unlike Stateside missions N
in combat, three of whi h were A-4Es. a carrier off outh Vietnam at all times.
Oriskany's 26 October fire damaged three Oriskany became the fir t carrier to fill that Nevertheles, operations 'down south'
more kyhawk and de troyed a fourth. role, taking up position about 100 miles were conducted at an intense pace. For
But OrisIwny's next cruise would prove to sOLlth-east of Cam Ranh Bay. instance, in the eight days USS EntertYrise
be its worse - during its 122 total 'line Because operations in the south were spent 'on the line' on Dixie tation in late
days', it lost twenty-nine aircraft. Of these not as 'hot' as those 'up north,' carriers January/early February 1966, Air Wing 9
losses, twenty were Skyhawks. Senator deploying to Task Force 77 would often flew nearl y 1,400 sorties, of wh ich 1,100
John . McCain III, then a Lieutenant- begin their line period here, then move were combat, and destroyed 51 truc-
This early war shot of USS Oriskany shows t~o F-B Crusaders and one A-4 Skyhawk on the port bow, with a line of AD Skyraiders along the starboard edge. The
Commander, piloted one of those A-4s north. Although one ha reason to doubt rures, twenty-four bunkers, twenty-three
Otlskan~ an.d CVW-16 saw some of the most Intense losses of all carrier air wings during their 1966 and 1967 cruises. including the massive fire that nearly sunk
and went on to serve seven years as a the accuracy of his description, one sampan, four gun-emplacements, and one the carner In October 1967. US Navy via author
776 777
SKYHAWKS AT WAR KYHAWKSATWAR
Skyhawks like these A-4Cs from VA-112 frequently tanked before and after missions. ~ere, an A-.3 tanks the C~~-bird as two Sky~a,,:,ks wait their turn. These CVW-9 and USS Enterprise served eight days on the line on Dixie Station during January/February 1966.
Skyhawks flew with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk during its 1966-67 and 1967-68 Vietnam crUIses and participated In the Navy s IIrst stnkes against the large Skyhawks from her four VA squadrons contributed to the nearly 1,100 combat sorties flown during that
MiG base at Kep north-east of Hanoi. US Navy via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd time. In this shot, three A-4s from VA-36 'Roadrunners' prepare for a mission loaded with 12 Mk 82
Snakeyes. US Navy via Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
the same. Approximately thirty to thirty- Thanh Hoa Bridge in Route package IV intentions. perfect example of the
five aircraft would be launched, with four were mini-alphas. The Thanh Hoa Bridge, frequency of Alphas occurred on 21
Aights of four A-4s serving as the strike called Ham Rung or 'Dragon's Jaw', was an August 1967, when five Alphas were
component and four F- Crusaders flying a immensely strong bridge carrying rail traf- launched from the carriers SS Con-
Target CAP, or T ARCA P, along the axis fic from Hanoi outh to Vinh. Built in the stellation, Oriskany, and Intrepid on Yankee
between the bombers and the perceived 1950s, it measured some 540ft (165m) tation. Constellation's CVW-14 truck
air threat. A section of A-4 Aew han long and 56ft (17m) wide and was sup- two major target, including the Kep
Hand or anti- AM ahead of the group and ported on concrete piers. It was among the airfield (a major MiG base north-east of
on each side, with two to four F-8s Aying most heavily bombed targets of the war. Hanoi) and the rail yards at Duc Noi.
Aak suppression. Offshore an EA-l or EA- Unfortunately, most of these strikes did While no A-4s were lost in that raid, three
3 would provide electronic support while little damage to the bridge. A total of A-6 ' were shot down. At the same time,
a pair of KA-3s or A-4s with buddy-stores 1,250 ton of ordnance wer expended at Intrepid's kyhawks were hitting Port
would circle as tankers. This same system the cost of eight aircraft, but it was not Walluc with twO lpha strikes approxi-
was u cd by the big deck carriers, although until 13 May 1972, with the introduction mately three hours apart, and Oriskany's
F-4 replaced the F- sand A-6 and A-7s of the first laser-guided weapons, that the A-4s led AGM-62 Walleye attacks against
r placed the A-4s, with Shrike-armed bridge was finally brought down. the Hanoi thermal plant.
Corsairs filling the Iron Hand role. KA-6D Alpha strikes were launched as many Cyclic operations were more closely
tankers eventually replaced the A-4s and as three times per day, with the biggest associated with the strikes conducted
KA-3s. criticism being that they tended to occur under Operation Rolling Thunder, the elab-
Mini-alphas, consisting of four A-4s, on a regular, and predictable ba is. At one orate bombing campaign against the
One problem witnessed personally by a few pilots was the A-4's narrow tricycle undercarriage, which made two to four F- sa TARCAP, and flak sup- point, Alphas were et for to, 2, and orth that began on 1 March 1965. These
trip-overs possible in crosswinds. US Navy via author pressors, were also Aown against sl1"laller 4 o'clo k, making it rather easy for orth strike were more Aexible in nature than
targets. Most of the strikes against the Vietnamese gunners to know American the Alpha strikes and involved something
778 779
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
the vast number of A-4s gave air wing 5 April 1965, Soviet-built A-2 Guideline changing to the L-band just before launch. In the ;pring of 1965, a phorographic recon-
commanders great flexibility. sites were discovered being constructed This change wa detectable by radar nais;ance plane returned ro the Aag;hip with
around Hanoi by a avy RF- A photo warning instruments which were later phoros which were immediately idenutied as a
reconnaissance bird from S Coral ea, incorporated into kyhawks and other surface-ro-air missile site. Thi was the tif>t clear
Route Packages which brought an entirely new threat to avy attack aircraft. A 3501b warhead proof that AM ;ites were under construction. II
In the early days of the war, confusion the air war. The A-2 had been in service tipped the A-2, with either contact,
with the oviets ince 195 . A typical bat- proximity, or command detonation fusing. Adm Outlaw then flew to aigon to detail
reigned as [0 which en'ice would control
tery consisted of between four and six They were usually fired in pairs, according his plan for strikes against the sites, at
what sector. [nitially, a plan was con-
launcher deployed in a circle about 165ft to standard oviet doctrine, but larger which his supervisors balked.
ceived where each day would be divided
(50m) in diameter. Located in the middle salvos of ten to twelve were not
into three-hour slots, with control over
of this circle was a trailer or tru k con- uncommon. Such a refu;alwas beyond my comprehemion. It
these slots alternating between the avy
taining the radar and communications More sites were also discovered by early was fea;ihle to have destroyed this site 'md orh-
and Air Force. This soon proved cumber-
equipment. July forming an irregular ring pattern ers still under construction which were ultI-
some, and a new method, using Route
The A-2 featured its own early- around the Hanoi/Haiphong area. Rear- mately completed. It was nor until the orth
Packages (RPs), was devised.
warning VHF radar, called 'Spoon Rest', Adm Edward . Outlaw, who temporarily Vietnamese had shot down some numhers of our
[n November 1965 a decision was made
to divide North Vietnam into six geo-
wh ich operated in the A-band. Radar replaced dm Henry L. Miller in aircraft that our combined air forces were pcr#
guidance was handled by a 'Fan Song' command of TF 77 in early 1965, wrote mined to strike back at these, now well e;tHh-
graphic regions for which bombing respon-
radar operating in the -band, but this in a 1971 New York Times article: lished, defen;ive sites. Since then approximately
sibility would be given to a specific service
on an ,dternate, weekly basis. Subse-
quently, this was also found confusing and
it was decided to give permanent control
of each RP to only one service,
RPs ranged from I in the southern part
of orth Vietnam to VI ju t north-east
of Hanoi. RP I was assigned to the Air
Force and ran from the Demilitarized Zone
(DMZ) north to ju t above the I th
parallel and included the port of Dong
Hoi. RP 1I ran north to the [9th parallel;
RP III included Vinh and numerous passes
through which the orth Vietnamese sent
supplie to the Ho Chi Minh Trail- both
were under avy control. RP IV, also
under Navy control, extended to just
below Hanoi and Haiphong and included
the priz d Thanh Hoa rail bridge and the
MiG base at Quan Lang. The largest single
Skyhawks were renowned for taking massive battle damage. One such mission
was described by Capt. Otto E. Krueger which occurred while he was Air Boss
area was encompassed within RP V, which
aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA 141 in 1968: 'Sam Chessman, CO of VA-195 extended north-west of Hanoi to the
aboard Ticonderoga returned from a strike with his A-4 "all shot up" after Laotian border and north to hina, and
tangling with a SAM. He was led back to the 'Tico' by a tanker, running fuel out was under ir Force control. RP VI was
the holes as fast as he could take it aboard, then dropped off right on glide slope divided into two areas. The first, RP VI-
just before he landed. He was on fire. Sam shut down and got out and let the fire , wh ich ran east from the 105 degree 30
crews put it out. By then, the tail was about burned off. We put the plane on the minute line of longitude and north of the
hangar deck and when we got back to Subic Bay. we declared it a total loss. It north-east rail-line, fell under Air Force
had something like 250 holes in it, some as big as a baseball. But it brought him
control and included Hanoi, the Paul
home!'
DOUlner Bridge, and the large ~ iG bases
at Kep, Hoa Lac, and Phuc Yen. RP VI-
B was avy territory and included
Haiphong, Cat Bi, and Gia Lam. Virtually
akin to armed reconnaissance or 'road targets changed from week to week, all of the avy's Alpha strike were
recce'. Cycl ic op were conducted on a rotating between trucks, bridges, and focused against targets in RP VI-B.
twelve-hour on, twelve-hour off ba is on similar targets. Alpha strikes were gener-
a three-day rotation. nlike the targets ally the exception.
Iron Hand
selected for the Alpha strikes, which were For most operations, aerial refuelling
chos n in Washington by the Pentagon was a must, with tanking performed by D- Operation Iron Hand became the Navy's
and those higher up, road recce targets 704-equipped A-4s or K -3. Tankers answer to the surface-to-air missile, or
were selected by the on-scene naval flew both mission profiles and provided SAM. [n its early days, the air war pre-
commander, given the general targ t emergency tanking. The kyhawk's ability sented many threats to the aviator, namely A deck full of Skyhawks are shown in this photograph from USS Kitty Hawk. These A-4Cs belong to VA-112's 'Bombing Broncos', who made two Vietnam cruises
with Air Wing 11. US Navy via author
parameters. General target categories to serve as a tanker proved invaluable as thos from MiGs and AAA. However,on
120 121
r -
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SKYHAWKS AT WAR
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
A-4 Ordnance
Although it began its career with a nuclear mission, the Skyhawk emerged as retarded bombs (Mk 81 and 82 class). and Cluster Bomb Units (CBUs) with
one of the most flexible conventional platforms around. In its early days, the Rockeye II submunitions. The Mk 80 series utilized an Aero 1A shape with
Skyhawk was fitted with only three pylons and could carry about 5,5001b an aspect ratio of 8.3 and was developed by Douglas during the 1950s as it
(2,500kg) of ordnance. Other than nuclear 'shapes', A-4As typically carried iron pursued a low-drag ordnance.
bombs of the day, plus unguided 2Min (6.9cm) FFAR rockets, mines, and 200
rounds of ammunition for its 20mm cannon. Mk 80 series
Unfortunately, the Skyhawk's 20mm cannon was not as functional as Mk 81 250lb LDGP Snakeye
pilots would have liked. Not only was the cannon given a limited supply of Mk 82 500lb LDGP Snakeye
ammunition, but it often jammed and was not highly accurate. One A-4E Mk 83 1,0001b LDGP
pilot made the following comments about these deficiencies: Mk 84 2,OOOIb LDGP
Some 90 per cent of all Navy bombs delivered during the Vietnam War
The A-4E was a fine, fine airplane for combat, a great machine except for the guns. were Mk 80s, with the vast majority being Mk 83s.
The 20mm wasn't much good to start with and after the Shoe Horn system was put in, With the A-4B also came the ability to carry and fire the infra-red homing
its capacity was reduced from 150 rounds, which was bad, to seventy-five - which (heat-seeking) AIM-9 Sidewinder, something that proved important when the
was ridiculous. I used the 20mm to check out buildings, see if there was anything in A-4 fulfilled the fighter air defence role aboard the anti-submarine carriers,
the building explosive in nature. I'd roll in, squirt a few rounds with the gun, and see such as USS Intrepid (CVS ,,). USS Yorktown (CVS 10), and USS Hornet
what happened. If there was some reaction, the plan was to come around and hit the (CVS 12). The Sidewinders of the day were primarily the -0 variant, which
structure with a bomb or rocket. That was about the only use for a 20mm. 32 weighed about 160lb (72.5kg) and carried a 101b (4.5kg) warhead. Effective
range was between 1,OOOft (305m) to a little over two miles (3km). but
However, events eventually dictated a new mission for the A-4. The attacks were limited to the target's rear quarter. Skyhawk pilots also used a
intensification of the Cold War in the form of smaller, conventional brush- light-seeking variant of the AIM-9 called Focus.
fires, and regional conflicts, rather than an all-out nuclear exchange; the Rockets have always been a mainstay Skyhawk weapon and could be
Lebanon Crisis in 1958; and the rapid deployment of Fleet units to China carried in packs of nineteen LAU-61/A and -69/As (using the Aero 7
were just a few examples. In the late 1950s, the need was identified for a dispenser) or seven LAU-68/A (using the Aero 6 dispenser). 2Yoin (6.9cm)
more conventional platform and so Douglas sought to improve the A-4's FFAR and LAU-10/A Zuni 5in (12.7cm) rockets. Napalm was used by US
ability to perform in that environment. Navy and Marine Corps forces in South Vietnam and was delivered using
the Mk 77. It was rarely dropped in the North. Cluster Bombs (CBUs) were
Hardpoints also used, but again only in South Vietnam. Armed with Mk 20 Rockeye II
The A-4 used a bridle system for catapult launches as seen here on this 'Essex' class carrier, US Navy via author The first three Skyhawk models carried only three hard points. The centre CBUs, Skyhawks were particularly effective against troop concentrations
pylon was rated at 3,550lb (1,610kg) with the wing pylons each rated at and anti-aircraft artillery batteries and were commonplace on flak
1,2001b (544kg). With the need to carry a fuel tank on at least the centreline suppression missions and on early Iron Hand missions.
mount, only two were left for weapons carriage. The A-4E added not only Skyhawk pilots also used a specially-fused bomb designed to produce an
two additional hardpoints (rated at 5001b/227kg each), but also an up-rated air blast:
engine, which allowed for even greater ordnance carriage.
Early in the war we also used the 36in bomb extenders, called Daisey-cutters. These
Weapons extenders were just what the name implied; a long, 36in slender cylinder extending
As the 1960s went on, Skyhawk ordnance expanded to include a variety of from the nose of the bomb. This would allow the bomb to go off right on the surface,
air-to-ground ordnance, including the Mk 80 series iron bombs, Snakeye whereas without the extenders, the bombs could and did bury themselves in the soft
earth before exploding. That really increased their
damage potential and made them excellent for
knocking things down like buildings. But they were
soon withdrawn from use by the Navy because [ofl
concerns aboutthe powder. 33
722 723
--
- - ---=- -
---
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWKS AT WAR
Once this passed, however, Vietnam served as a virtual testing-ground for An improved ARM was later deployed, the AGM-78 Standard, carrying a
newly developed systems. longer range and larger warhead. The Standard was originally deployed
For example, Vietnam saw the introduction of several new guided, semi- with a modified Shrike seeker (called the Mod). but later incorporated a
stand-off weapons such as the AGM-12 Bullpup and the AGM-62 Walleye. Maxsom wide-band seeker, justifying the Mod 1 redesignation, and
The Bullpup was a rocket-propelled radio-guided bomb that was originally subsequently AGM-78B. The Standard also used a gimballed seeker,
developed with a 250lb warhead and later modified to carry a 1,0001b SAP memory circuits, and carried an impact marker for designating the sites'
warhead, reflecting the common knowledge that the Bullpup A did not carry location for follow-on strikes. The AGM-78B had a 35nm range and
enough 'punch'. Both models of the Bullpup, however, suffered from one travelled at near Mach 2.5 speed. A-4 pilots used the Standard to some
drawback that would later lead to its abandonment as an effective attack ord- degree, although its availability was sometimes limited due to its high
nance. 'The [Bullpup] B was a lot more sophisticated than the old Bullpup, but cost.
we learned after getting into Vietnam there was little extensive application for Because the Skyhawk's gun was not all that it should have been, a Mk 4
the bomb because the pilot had to stay on a long, steady, descending path to gun pod was developed and was used in Vietnam by US Navy A-4s on
control it to the target. In an AAA environment, that wasn't exactly the thing their road recce missions and by Marine Corps pilots for close air support
you wanted to do.'38 Most people considered the Bullpup obsolete as early as missions. This gun pod offered a tremendous rate of fire - 4,000 rounds
the mid-1960s. per minute. A one-second burst (firing sixty-six rounds per gun) has the
The AGM-62 Walleye was an optically-guided weapon that was equivalent of a 4,0001b bomb load delivered from 1,000ft (305m). Mk 24/25
introduced into combat in 1967 and scored several successful hits on key para flares were also carried by A-4s, although at first there was some
North Vietnamese targets, including the Haiphong thermal plant. The trouble mounting them on the Multiple Ejector Racks (MERs)s However, as
Walleye used a television camera 'gated' to remain pointed at the target noted in the USS Independence Command Debrief following its 10 May
area (high contrast) and could be Locked-On Before Launch (LOBL). 1965-13 December 1965 deployment, at least early in the war, a need was
enabling the carrying aircraft to leave the area. Initial versions of this identified for an improved, or at least more reliable flare for night recce
missile carried the 8251b (374kg) linear shaped-charge warhead and missions.
possessed a range of approximately lOnm. An improved version,
For night operations, greater quantities and improved reliability of the Mk 24 flare
dubbed the Walleye II, carried an improved seeker and a larger, 2,0001b
are necessary. A near 50 per cent dud rate was experienced with this flare.
warhead.
However, it is an excellent pyrotechnic when it works; and the only one that
A much-needed anti-radiation missile was also added to the Skyhawk
should be used in an AAA environment, because of the delay feature and the
arsenal in 1966 with the AGM-45A Shrike. The Shrike homed in on SAM
enemy's habit of shooting out flares as well as leading the flares in an attempt to
radar beams and rode them into the guidance van, destroying the site.
hit the aircraft."
Skyhawks flying Iron Hand missions against North Vietnamese SAM sites
typically carried two Shrikes for such missions and when the Shrike Flares were later improved to meet these complaints.
supplies were limited, carried one simply to 'listen' for North Vietnamese The A-4 also carried a variety of Aero 10 drop tanks -150, 300, and
radars. Early Shrikes were problematic because they had a fixed gimbal and 400 US gallon (568, 1,136, 1,510 litre). For most A-4E and -F missions over
could not 'remember' site locations once they shut down. Moreover, they Vietnam, two 300 gallon wing tanks were used, taking full advantage of the
used a pre-tuned seeker that was matched to a particular frequency. extra wing stations. Special missions were also authorized using no tanks,
and a single centreline-mounted 2,0001b Mk 84 or Walleye. A-4E and -F air-
One reason the Shrike did not perform well was the enemy's excellent electronic
Multiple Carriage Bomb Racks (MCBRs) were developed by VX-5 at China Lake to enable Skyhawks to craft also flew many missions with a 400 gallon centreline tank and some
emission discipline and the use of two or more antennae. Another is that missile
carry greater numbers of bombs. Shown here are groups of Mk 81 bombs being tested, The MCBRs were combination of stores on the wings. A-4C missions were often flown with a
ranges are so short that prospective targets are obvious. The enemy ceased
later built by Douglas and proved invaluable in Vietnam. us Navy via It Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd single centreline tank, leaving the outboard stations available for weapons
emitting when the attacker pointed in his direction and radiated when he turned
stores.
away. Shrike should be modified to enable homing on a Fan Song radar radiating
The A-4M brought new stores such as the AGM-65 Maverick capability.
into a dummy load.. 39
Our initial tactic for putting bombs on target, which of course later had to be bombs which allowed a low-level drop. With the fins open, the bomb was slowed Skyhawks could also carry the LAU-10/A leaflet dispensers, the Aero 14/B
abandoned, was a 60 degree dive angle because the only worry was the ground- which permitted aircraft separation from the blast. To combat the wide variety of frequencies, some thirteen frequency seekers spray tank (thought to be intended for application of defoliating chemicals).
fire. A 60 degree dive rolling in at 16,000h is straight down the chute, just One big plus to our strike capability with the A-4 was the introduction of MERs were made. An extended range variant was also produced, the AGM-45B. the Mk-12 smoke tank, and the LB-18/A centreline-mounted camera pod.
hanging in the straps. Of course it's not an accurate run - it's hard to correct for and TERs in the early 1965 time frame. (We first used them in early 1965 on
winds and Vietnam is a fairly windy place - but we got pretty darn good at it. Rangers cruise.) With these we could carry three 500s on each wing and/or six
We'd corne in at 16,000, 22,000ft (4,877-6)06ml. pull down to a roll-in at 16,000 on the centerline. On our 1965-66 cruise, we were carrying three 500 pounders
and head in at 60 degrees on the target, pull out high and never, never get 10w.35 (Mk 82s) on each wing pylon with a 300 gallon (1.136 litreI tank on the centerline.
Mk 81s (2501b) were used somewhat less, although when we did, we carried six I 15 of our planes have been destroyed by sur- days later, a strike was organized against the clouds, the two immediately recog-
Later in the war, with the introduction of surface-to-air missiles, high- per TEA. We occasionally used napalm in the south, but flights there were limited face-to-air missiles launched from pads which I this site, nized the threat and tried to take evasive
altitude attacks became exceedingly dangerous and pilots resorted to to a few warm-up hops from Dixie Station at the outset before heading north for believe could have been destroyed at a minimum Less than a month later, on the night action, accelerating with full power,
low-level approaches. Staying under the SAM envelope meant. however, the remainder of the cruise and Yankee Station.
that pilots were now in prime range for AAA and small arms fire. risk before they became opcrational. 41 of 11 August, VA-23's Lt(jg) Donald H. Unfortunately, it was too late and Brown's
Up north, especially on the second cruise, we ohentimes flew in a 'slick-wing'
configuration, with a single 2,0001b bomb on the centerline and a 1,000 pounder Brown became the Navy's first SAM plane was destroyed. Roberge's A-4,
The weapons and tactics we used were in a constant state of evolution during
on each wing. We didn't carry the external drop tank so we couldn't spend as Despite warnings from Navy officials victim, when his A-4E flying from the although badly damaged and on fire, made
the early part of the war. By 1966, we had pretty much used up stocks of bombs
left over from World War II that were being stored at Guam. These were the old much time over the target. This slick config let us get in and out real fast. 36 about the threat these systems posed, the carrier USS Midway was struck while he it back to Midway where more than fifty
'iron fat bombs' that weren't very aerodynamic insofar as reducing drag was SA-2 sites would remain untouched was on a road recce mission about 60 miles holes were found in its fuselage.
concerned. And this was happening at a time when McNamara was telling As Krueger indicated, an interesting feature of the Navy's early involvement because Washington feared that a strike (97km) south of Hanoi. Brown's lead, Lt The AM incident sparked an imme-
everyone that 'there is no bomb shortage, it's a distribution problem'. in the war was the fact that pilots of all attack communities had to rely at against the sit s might injure or kill Soviet Cdr Francis D. Roberge's A-4 was also hit. diate, albeit unsuccessful, retaliation the
The Mk 80s and their electronic fusing were a learning experience for us all. times on vintage ordnance: advisers who were known to be training Reports from the incident revealed that next day when seventy-six Iron Hand
Many of us dropped our first on a mission; even the kids corning out hadn't North Vietnamese crews on how to both pilots were flying at 9,000ft (2,740m) strikes were launched against SAM sites,
trained on them because they were in such short supply. Early on we were still We also used a larger 750lb bomb for a short time. These were old iron bombs
operate the new weapons, On 24 July an when they noticed what looked to be two Five aircraft and two pilots were lost and
trying to figure out what would work best against any given target. But by '68 or left from World War II and they had a thinner skin, which meant that more
explosives could be packed. A 750lb bomb from that era had the explosive force
Air Force F-4C of the 47 th Tactical Fighter glowing flares below the clouds about 15 another seven planes damaged with no
'69, those parameters were set and the typical loads were established based on
of a 1,0001b Mk-83, but with the aerodynamics of a Mk 82: 37 Squadron based in. Ubon, Thailand, was miles (24km) ahead of their position, As SAMs found. 13 August 1965 became
our experience. We started early in '65 to use retarded Snakeye MK 80 series
downed by an SA-2 near Hanoi. Three the 'lights' grew closer and broke through known as 'Black Friday'.
724 725
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWKS T WAR
126 127
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWK ATWAR
The Iron Hand mission was regarded as one of the most dangerous of all Arnold explained that later on during that cruise, VA-164 began using a new
missions flown by Skyhawk pilots during the Vietnam War. It took a special tactic whereby the Shrike would be launched using a 'loft' technique,
breed of person to go out and 'play chicken' with SAM operators, all for the allowing the missile's seeker to search out its victim. Arnold explained:
good of the strike package. Capt Bob Arnold served with VA-164 of CVW-16
aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA 34) during its 1968/69 cruise and was one of ... to do this, we would hang above the main strike force, listening for the tale-
those men who welcomed the challenge of confronting the SAM. Capt tell signs of the SAM radars. Before we'd launch, we study the mission and
Arnold provides the following overview of Shrike operations and the tactics determine just when the strike aircraft would enter the SAM envelope and how
used by the Iron Hand pilots: long it would take them to reach the target. Then we'd calculate when our
Shrikes would have to be launched to get to the radars before the SAMs could
For the Iron Hand mission, we flew the A-4E, with its five stations. We'd carry a get to our planes. Just as the strike aircraft were entering this zone, we'd dive
300 Ib tank on the centreline, a TER [triple ejector rack] with two five hundred down to about 1O,000ft, then pull up to 30 degrees and loft our Shrikes. This
pounders on the two and four stations, and our Shrike on stations one and five. would put the missiles over the target just before the strike aircraft arrived over
We only carried two Mk 82s on the TERs because of the tank. If we wanted the target. The first time we tried this, during a raid on Phuc Yen just outside
more maneuvrability, we'd carry single five hundreds on the inboard stations, Hanoi, it worked perfect. Not a single SAM came up.' 43
On 17 October 1965, Cdr Harri on B. attack to VA- 72 and I was tasked to plan and low until reaching a pre-established check·
outhwOI"th, Commanding Officer of VA- lead the strike. Our package consisted o( (our A- pOll1t, where we accelerated and climbed to the
n quadran, led the avy's fir t successful 4Es (Cdr I-larry Southworth, Lt(jg) Carl target 4lrea, jinking as we welle.
strike against a orth Vietnamese A·2 Moslener, Lt Cdr Jack Davi;, Lt Dick Koffarnus) Priority on the attack was assigned to
ite near Kep. outhworth de cribed thi and one A-6A from V -75 (Lt Cdr Pete Garber, the mi;;ile control van, usually located in the
in his own words: Lt(jg) Ken Jones) and we used a combination o( center of the site. ext were the launcher; with
500lb and I,0001b low-drag bombs. missile;, then any mi;siles in the site area. Once
U Independence was assigned to destroy a The plan (or our group called (or us to tag we (ound the target, we made our initial
loads such as the one shown on this VA-164 'Ghost Rider' A-4C were made possible by Multiple Ejector Racks (MERs) and Triple Ejector Racks (TERs). loaded to SAM ;ite that posed a threat to a large CVA 62 along behind and helow the larger strike group run and when we left. the control van wa; on
this A-4 are 14,2501b Mk 81 bombs. VA-164 Skyhawks later participated in the 1972 linebacker I raids, attacking major installations in North Vietnam. US Navy via strike group that was to attack the large highway until we were abeam o( the valley that would fire and unable to launch any more AMs.
author north of Hanoi. CVW- 7 assigned the SA I site lead us to the target area. The A-4s remained The A-6 then attacked several o( the missile
128 129
SKYI-IAWKS AT WAR SKYI-I WKS AT WAR
Errant bombs and missiles often lead to Skyhawks from VA-93 and VA-94 are on USS
disaster for deck crews. This Skyhawk
from USS Ranger (eVA 61) loses a
.. Ranger during its 1964-65 cruise. The carrier was
on Yankee Station during spring 1965 when this
Shrike missile as the aircraft catches a photo was taken. which corresponds with the
wire. US Navy via author timing of the strike against the Tam Da Bridge
shown on page 138. Robert Olen via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess
USN Retd
tramporters parked nearby the -AM site and year/Tracor A /ALE-29A chaff/Aare dis- sensor homing head, the parrow-shaped
left them twisted and in Aames. 47
penser was added near the rear of the AGM-45 would detect operating frequen-
kyhawk. cies of various oviet-block radars, then
When the strike exited the area, outh-
Ay down on the radar beam and destroy
worth reported seeing several radar vans Project hoehorn was retrofitting three new the guidance equipment with its [451b
afire, vehicle burning, and one A-2 mis- pieces of electronic equipment into our (66kg) blast fragmentation warhead.
i1e d stroyed. A second SAM was snaking Skyhawks. A black hox called the A LQ- 51 Follow-up strikes against the missiles or
along the ground burning itself our. would provide the pilot with a visual alert to their launchers with Mk as, c1ustcr
At that time, Iron Hand mi sions were any activity by the AM-associated Fan Song bomb or nakeyes, would then finish
Aown at altitudes below 3,500 ft (l,065m) radar. A blinking red light would indicate that thc site. AGM-45As possesscd a range
using Snakeyes, Zuni rocket, cluster the aircraft was being illuminated by a Fan Song of about 3 miles (4. km). The -45Bs,
bombs, and other low-altitudc ordnance to in the search mode. steady red glow would however, introduced later in the war,
keep out of the SA-2's envelope. Of course, mean that the radar was locked on preparatory increased the range to nearly 10 milcs
this opened the attacker up to a barrage of to fire a SAM. The second piece, the APR-I7, ( [5km).
enemy A A fire, which claimed many A- would simultaneously generate a [One through The Shrike thereafter becam a stan-
4s in the first Iron Hand efforts. the pilot's helmet earphone:, - sounding a low dard load on all Iron Hand mi sions. [n
[n 1965, the avy, tog ther with pitch during the search phase and increasing some cases, Shrikes were in short supply
Douglas and Sanders Associates, began to a higher, more frantic pitch at lock-on. but carried simply to allow the operator
modifications to the A-4 airframe (called Eventually, a third component, the APR-n, to 'listen' for AMs. For most missions,
Proje t Shoe Hom) allowing the installa- would provide a visual indication, relative to two hrike were carried, with two Mk
tion of electronic self-prate tion equip- the nose of the aircraft, of the direction of the 2s on ingl pylons, giving the kyhawk
ment, namely the Sanders A /ALQ-51A threat. 'slicked up' aerodynamics. Most mid-war
E M deception ystem and a receiver for To help counter the SAM threat, the new hrikc missions were Aown by the A-4Es
the Magnavox A l/APR-27 SAM launch gear was a step in the right direction. But to take advantage of the additional
detection ystem. All of these were housed without the APR-I3 to determine the direc- wcapons tat ion and more powerful
in the distinctive aft hump, that would tion of the threat, cockpit aural and visual alerts engines. This mission latcr cvolvcd to the
later bc retrofitted into a number of -E were merely something eI e to promote adren- -F with its uperior ECM capability. Cdr
model. Wiring was al 0 add d for carriage alin Aow. The real problem in dealing with a ichols tells about this mi sion in On
of the wing-mounted A /ALQ- 1 E M SAM lay in not knowing where it was coming Yankee ration:
jamming pod, and installation of the ltek from. 411
A / PR-25 RHA W, which was ubse- A n Iron Hand section was composed of an
quently replaced by the Bendix A /APS- Adding immensely to the Iron Hand attack aircraft - A-4 or A-7 - packing two
The addition of the AGM-45 Shrike made Iron Hand missiles much deadlier for North Vietnamese SAM operators. Shown here is an A-.4E laun~hing .with two 107 RHA W for use with the hrike missile mission capabilities wa AGM-45 Shrike Shrikes, escorted by an F-4 or F- fighter.
Shrikes. These were typically carried on the outboard stations. Shrikes were effective in this role. although SAM operators could aV~ld th~ missile s 1.451b (44.2kgl ystcm. A canted refuelling rod was then mission, developed by the US avy at it Within five minutes of the target, the fighters
fragmentation warhead by simply turning off their radars. Nevertheless. even if this occurred. the site had been shut down and effectively suppressed for the added to avoid interference with the elec- China Lake Weapons enter, and first would break off as the attack craft continued
purpose of the mission at hand. US Navy via author tronics. To complete thc systcms, a Good- fired on 18 April 1966. With its passive on to their assigned SAM site. While the crews
130 131
. _.
SKYHAWK AT WAR SKYHA WKS T W R
would focus on their scopes as the range to thc was shot down during an Iron Hand mis- in the Gulf of Tonkin. Maddox had been This bomb-ridden A-4C
patrolling near the orth Vietname e prepares for take-off. Visible
targer decreascd, the escorting fighters would sion against site 109 north of Haiphong on
on the three stations are ten
maintain a visual guard during thc run-in. 26 April 1967 and was posthumously hores since mid-ro-Iate July performing
500lb Mk 82 iron bombs. The
Usually thc VA pilot would loft both hrikcs awarded the Medal of Honor. electronic surveillance, called Desoto
Skyhawk appears to be from
at the salllc tlIllC. What was good doctrinc for Patrols. On these missions, Maddox was ro VA-36. US Navy via author
the AM, was good doctrine for thc hrikes. gather intelligence on orrh Vi tnamese
Thal left the fightcrs, if F-Ss, to follow up thc radar characteri tics and ro evaluate navi-
Shrtkc, in hopcs of finishing off the sitc 49
A4 Operations gational and hydrographic condition in
aval aviation's involvement in the the area. Going on at the same time was
In his book, Rolling Thunder, John T. Vietnam War began on 2 and 4 August Operation Plnn 34A (OPLA -34A),
mith described just how the Iron Hand 1964, when orth Vietnamese PA PT under which outh Vietnamese troops
mis ions meshed with Ipha strike: boats attacked the destroyers U S T umer conducted small raids against naval instal-
Joy (00-951) and S Maddox (00- 731) lations in orth Vietnam. Indeed, one
Thc Navy Iron I land mission> wcrc carricd out
hy sUlI1dard strikc aircraft, a major aval AI{Jha
Strike involving four or eight Iron I-land aircraft.
A-4s carrying Shrikc missilcs would hc givcn
specific ~ilCt-l to att<1ck where it was known these
sitcs wcrc activc and close to thc routc of thc
main ,trikc forcc. They could be paircd with
F-Ss to providc protcction and to add wcight
to lhe attack on the missile ~itc~.'iQ
132 133
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SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYII WKS AT WAR
seventy attack aircraft again hit the radar tion or VFR. Flares would then be released Captain Wynn Foster also flew road recce
installations at Cap Mu Ron. and the two kyhawk would dive down missions during his time with V -163
to 100-200ft (30-60m) looking for trucks aboard Oriskany:
to hit.
Road Reece
Cdr David Leue, an A-4C pilot with The avy was ill-prepareu (or night recce,
One of the more interesting kyhawk VA-lS3 aboard Constellation, com- ,1I1d whtle the kind o( miSSIOn we ended up
missions involved night bombing along mented on the e tactics thus: fighting was carrying and dropping flares, the
the Ho Chi Minh Trail. These strikes were proper equipment for that Illls)ion \Va~n't a\';'l1l~
suppo ed to be limited to military trucks. We took a simple tactic and made it highly able. IMultiple Ejector Bomh Racksl IER,
ince much of orth Vietnam wa already success(ul even though our A-4Cs were severely which eject hombs real well were av",lahle,
mobilized for war, that limitation baffled limited (uelwise. hut they punched holes in the flares. So 111 1965
many a pilot. Later, however, this limita- We carried flares anu hombs, all low-level, the squadron [VA-1631 ended up mlxl,(ying
tion was modified to allow strikes against lay-down ordnance. Vou could not see a truck the [practice non-ejector Multiple Bomh
any truck within 328ft (lOOm), then 984ft (rom ten thousand (eet, or dive-homb-it; you Racksl PMBRs, which for some IT'lM1I1 we rook
(300m) of roadways. had to get down underneath the flare and look with us. ll
VA-IS3 aboard USS Coral Sea was at it. The rules were don't go low in the
one of the first squadrons involved in daytime; it sounueu crazy to go low at night. But, as seemed to be the case throughout
this mission, which generally saw sec- But it was absolutely safer to go IowaI' night th war, A-4 pilots adapted to the situa-
tions of two A-4s flying low-level attack than in the daytime, i( you could overcome tion and became quite adept at night
runs against orth Vietnamese trucks. your (car o( the hills and the dark. operations, much to the chagrin of their
oral Sea's Skyhawks were joined in this Typically, I'u put my wingman at (our thou- A-6 night-attack brethren.
mi sion by S Midway's VA-22 and sanu (eel', lights out, anu we'u always tank just I' the ame time, avy aircraft re-
VA-23. Loads for these missions included before coasting in. I'd get on Route I, latl ahout newed their Barrel Roll efforts over Laos,
flare, nakeyes, cluster bomb, and gun five hundred feet, and rocket down the road but under a different name. Operation
pods - 'all low-level, lay-down ordnance', with my wing down a little hit, anu just like Steel Tiger designated the interdiction
Of all the carriers participating in Vietnam, one of the most active was USS Hancock (CVA 19). making seven Vietnam cruises. Many of the strikes early in the war as one pilot described. A-4 flying the e that I could see trucks. They'u throw a little missions in the Laotian panhandle region
were flown by Sky hawks from the Hancock. For its last three cruises, all three A-4 squadrons flew the A-4F. Hancock was the last carrier to deploy with the A-4. missions would launch, refuel, then eros lead, so I woulu Jink, but the onh Vietnamese outh of the I th parallel, while Banel
US Navy via author Roll still referred to missions flown in the
'the beach' using dead-reckoning naviga- were lousy shots at night. ll
success was achieved by these trikes, with 15 075) took mall arms fire to its port buildings damaged. Again, there wa a
damage inflicted to the main road running wing. Ranger's strike force of thirty-four cost, as three aircraft were 10 t. One, an A-
from orth Vietnam south. These raids aircraft was not as fortunate with its tar- 4C from Coral Sea's VA-lS3 (Bu o.
forced trucks to travel at night. get, as poor weather over the ViI' Thu Lu 149572), was lost, but the pilot survived.
The next major operation to involve barracks prevented it from completing its Another belonging to VA-ISS div 1'1' d to
kyhawks took place in February 1965. strike. Foreshadowing things to come, Da ang with stuck ordnance.
As with the Pierce Arrow strikes of ug- Defense Secretary Me amara refused to 15 March marked the fir I' US avy
ust, these too, were retaliatory, respond- allow Ranger to divert and support those involvement in Operation Rolling Thunder
ing to the Viet Cong (VC) attack on underway from Coral Sea and Hancock at strikes, with kyhawks from USS Ranger
Camp Holloway at Pleiku, near the
Central Highlands of 7 February. Nine
US personnel were killed and nearly 100
wounded, and ten aircraft destroyed. On
Dong Hoi and instead ordered the pilots
to drop their bombs harmlessly into the
sea, a source of cant ntion for many
Skyhawk pilots for years to come.
and USS Hancock, flying two or three mi -
sian a week, mostly interdiction by two
and four plane units. Rolling Thunder was
intended to force the orth Vietnamese
•
- 2679-
8 February, Operation Flaming Dan J was Outraged at the S attack, Ho Chi to capitulate in the face of bombing that
launched by planes from the carriers S Minh launched another strik , this time began in the south and moved slowly
Hancock, J~anger, and Coral Sea, which with VC forces destroying the American north. The problem was, however, that it
weI' already in the Gulf of Ton kin. Coral enlisted barracks at Qui hon, killing took too long and had too many restric-
ea and Hancock had, in fact, been twenty-three and wounding another tions. aval aircraft had been flying tacti-
steaming towards the Philippine and had twenty-one. Johnson retaliated with a cal reconnaissance missions over North
to be recalled to join Ranger. ninety-nine-plane strike on army barrack Vietnam under the code-name Blue Tree
In a combined launch from Hancock at Chanh Hoa. Again, indicative of what since Rolling Thunder began on 2 March.
and Coral Sea, forty-nine aircraft, includ- lay ahead, Mc amara not only selected !\arine aviation unit also played a role in
ing VA-212 and VA-2I6 from Hancock, the targets, but also the aircraft that would Rolling Thunder, but in South Vietnam.
and A-4C/E from VA-IS3 and VA-ISS participate, their load, and even the fus- On 1 March, Skyhawks from Coral ea
aboard Coral Sea, struck Vietnamese Army ing. Moreover, he ordered the attack to and Han ock launched strike at the sup-
barracks and port facilitie at Dong Hoi. commence at 900 local time, oblivious to ply buildings at Phu Van and the depot at
Ten building were de troyed, two dam- local weather condition, which were Vinh on. One week later, the same car-
aged, and an undetermined number left poor, restricting flight to low altitudes. riers struck radar sites at Bach Long Vi
burning. The raid caused only moderate Operation Flaming Dan JJ was only mar- Island, Ha Tinh, and Mui Ron, losing one
damage, but Skyhawk pilot Lt E. A. ginally more successful than the first oper- A-4E from VA-212. Its pilot, dr K. L. The A-4B, although lacking the sophistication of the later Charlie and Echo models, flew several missions
Dick on was lost when his A-4E (BuNo. ation, with twenty-three of the seventy-six Shugart, was recovered. On 31 March, in and around the Haiphong area when deployed aboard USS Intrepid (CVA 111 in 1966. US Navy via author
734 735
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWKS AT WAR
One of the most interesting developments of the war was the gradual shift
from an all 'dumb' bomb ordnance to a mix of 'smart bombs', One of these
early smart bombs was the AGM-12 Bullpup made by Martin. Capt Otto
Krueger, then a Commander flying Skyhawks with VA-94 aboard USS
Enterprise (CVAN 65!. tells about his two strikes against the Tam Da Bridge
near Vinh:
The RF-8 reconnaissance photo in this insert shows the Tam Ho Bridge
after Captain Krueger's Bullpup attack. The damage from the first strike
several months earlier (the dropped spans) can also be seen.
136 137
... _ - - - - - - - - - - - -
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
138 139
. - .. -
e---- _ -~-
SKYHAWKS T WAR
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
This A-4F from VA-212 climbs above USS Hancock in the late 1960s - early 1970s. US Navy via author
740 747
- -. --
KYHAWKS AT WAR
SKYHAWKS AT WAR
143
142
~- -----
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWK AT WAR
~K
; 1080 .
MAR1Nf5
A Marine pilot sits waiting, with bombs loaded, for a call from Marine or Army ground forces operating in South Vietnam. us Navy via author
Coral Sea ro mount yet another strike had grown inro large flights with fighters, With the war now winding down, the
on the Thanh Hoa Bridge on 2 January, flak suppressors and arrack aircraft to A-4's presence diminished, with only Jet Assisted Take-Oft (JATO) was used by Marine pilots at Chu lai to help take-ofts in high cross-winds. US
with forty-four aircraft dropping 2,0001b handle SAMs. three Skyhawk-operaring carriers on Navy via author
bombs against the structure. Operation Linebacker I, whi h ran from station in 1970, and two (USS Hancock
A Iso provid ing some distraction to 10 May until 22 Ocrober 1972 cost the and USS Bon Homme Richard) in 1971.
Vietnam operations was the orth Korean avy sixty-one aircraft, including five That year Hancock and its A-4Fs from Laos. Missions were carried out against North Vietnamese were nearly out of and -311. M G-16 and MAG-36 were the
seizure of SS Pueblo in international kyhawk. During this time six carriers V s-55, -164 and -212 flew dozens of truck convoys along the Ho Chi Minh munitions. helicopter groups and operated out of
waters in early January. Two carriers were rotated in and out of Yankee Station, interdiction trikes in support of the outh Trail and in the mountain passes and A- Hancock served as the last carrier Marble Mountain east of Da Nang and at
diverted from Yankee tation ro positions flying a total of 23,652 orties. Vietnamese Lam Son 719 offensive in 4Fs performed occasional strikes inro operating kyhawks in 1972 and 1973, Ky Ha outh of Da ang, respectively.
off orth Korea. everthele~s, A-4 North Vietnam. uch mi siems were with all three of it kyhawk squadrons With all of the Marine tactical air oper-
squadrons did provide support trikes carried out against advancing orth flying A-4Fs. Following the war, A-4s ations basing out of Da ang, the facilities
during the Tee Offensive and the siege of Vietnamese units until the end of the made two more cruises aboard Hancock quickly became overloaded and a new air
Khe Sanh. TF 77 flew II sorties in involvement in the Vietnam War. before being withdrawn from active Navy base location was thus sought out and
'upport of the Marines during the siege of Also significant in 1971 were the service. The last kyhawk squadrons were found along the coast some 50 miles
Khe Sanh in January followed by 1,500 missions flown in support of Operation disestablished in December 1975. (80km) south of Da Nang at Chu Lai.
in February and 1,600 in March. Later in Proud Dee!J AIIJha, which commenced on This location was selected, in part,
the year, operations continued against 26 December 1971 and involved five days because it could be easily supplied by sea
targets in RPs II and III and in Laos. of bombing directed against orth and easily defended. It also offered a good
In 1969, fi ve of the seven carriers that Vietname e troops massing along the Marine Corps Operations in staging point for supporting ground units
served on Yankee tat ion were the small DMZ. Of the 1,025 sortie flown,40 were Vietnam in and at out outh Vietnam, especially I
deck 27-Charlie 'Essex' carriers, three by aircraft operating from the carriers Corps. Indeed, Chu Lai would in time
of which ( Bon Homme Richard, Constellation and U S oral Sea. Although avy kyhawk had been become the most significant of all Marine
Hancock, and IntrelJid) had three squad- Major change in the overall military engaged in the war sin e the initial Gulf Corps air bases and the primary operator
rons of A-4s. Each air wing had at least strategy against North Vietnam, most of of Tonkin reprisal arracks on 5 August of land-ba ed A-4 squadrons throughout
one squadron with the newer -F model. which had been advocated by avy plan- 1964, Marine Corps A-4s did not join bat- the war.
U Ranger, a 'Forrestal' class carrier, ners since 1965, were now starting to have tle until early 1965 when the 9th Marine One problem with Chu Lai, however,
was home to a unique combination of an effect on the war effort. Haiphong's Expeditionary Brigade landed a Da was that it lacked any runway facilities,
V s, with one squadron each of Intru- harbours were now mined and major Nang and established a base. At that time, so the 'Sea bees' immediately II' nt to work
ders, Corsairs, and A-4F kyhawks. traffic centres bombed, severing Vietnam Marine air units in Vietnam were organ- constructi ng a Short Airfield for T actica I
Air strikes during these years, excepting from its Chinese and Soviet supplier, and ized under the 1st Marine ircraft Wing upport ( T) field which involved the
those of the Linebacker raids, were in the troops in the field from their supply (I M W) based in Japan, which con- laying of two 12ft (3.6m) sections of
the southern regions of orth Vietnam lines in the orth. MiG were no longer si ted offour Marine Air Groups (MAGs). aluminium matting over levelled earth.
and were mainly Blue Tree flights. This A-4E based at Chu lai carries a Mk 11 gun pod on each in-board station and 5in (12.7cml Zuni pods on a threat, some seventy-five being downed MAG-II pro ided fight r/attack air- To combat the shortened take-off dis-
Interestingly, these flights, which had the outboard stations, with a centreline tank. This load was typical of the Marine close air support in 1972. AAA and AM activity was also craft and M G-12 provided the attack tance, Sky hawks launching from the
began in 1964 as single aircraft missions, missions flown in support of I Corps. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann down, with reports showing that the squadrons - then VMAs-211, -214, -225, SATS field would rely on a carrier-like
744 745
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SKYI-IAIVK ATWAR
SKYHAIVK ATWAR
146
147
- - - - -
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SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWKS AT WAR
148 149
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KYHAWKSATWAR
SKYI-IAWKS AT WAR
A heavy load of Snakeyes on this VMA-211 A-4E meant more close air support for the Marines. Skyhawks
such as this one flew hundreds of missions supporting the siege of Khe Sahn in January 1968.
Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
smaller sections or fl ights and were ori- anh strikes were handled with the TPQ- seemed longer to the crews. The UH-IE VMA-223 flew sorties from Chu lai from late 1965 until early 1968 and again from May 1968 until early 1970.
ented toward ground upport. I radar system, which proved particularly gunships would follow the CH-46s to pick Pictured here is an A-4C with its pilot. Notice the dark colouring around the 20mm cannon barrel indicating
Air operations intensified as 1967 effective and saved many a crew from the up any crew that may have been shot heavy use. Defense Department via Robert F. Dorr
began, with MAG-12 Skyhawks providing heavy barrage of orth Vietnamese AAA down or become stranded.
24-hour support for US Marine, rmyand in the area. This system was used to Following the Khe anh defence, air operating the Grumman TF-9J ougar in ew Jersey (BB 62), which patrolled off that year, in July, Skyhawks from VMA-
South Vietnamese ground forces. To keep control both A-4 and F-4 units. control of Marine units fell under the 7th the Forward Air Controller (F ) role North Vietnamese shores during a portion 31 1 were transferred to MAG-II at Oa
pace, A-4s at Chu Lai often sat fully It was during th is battle that the SU/Jer Air Force under the so-called 'single man- (called Tactical Air Control (Airborne) of 1968. Nang where they operated against targets
loaded on the ramps with pilots on Gaggle concept was developed, a means agement doctrine'. Marine units now had or TAC(A)) supporting both MAG-II along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. hu Lai
standby in what was termed 'hot pad' alert, by which outposts were r -supplied in the to detail their assets' availability daily and and MAG-12. These FAC aircraft carried
The End Draws Near was then transferred to the Army. VMA-
awaiting a call to scramble. hills surrounding Khe anh by a combi- the Air Force, not the Marines, had com- the standard 20mm ammunition and also 311 A-4s also flew strikes in support of
1968's Tee Offensive laun hed by orth nation of A-4s and Marine helicopters. plete tasking control. Air Force officials rockets for both attack and for target Early 1969 saw Marine Skyhawks sup- the South Vietnamese offensive, Lam Son
Vietnam on 30 January saw a further The first such operation took place on 24 claimed that the Khe Sanh operations designation. As the ougars began porting Operation Dewey Canyon in the 7 J 9, launched into VC staging areas in
increase in Skyhawk operations, as MAG- February 196 , when twelve Skyhawks confirmed the efficiency of such a sy tem, showing their age, the two-seat T -4F A Shau Valley in north-west South Viet- Lao during early 1971. All Marine air
12 units provided much needed air cover escorted a large contingency of CH-46 but the Marines never fully accepted it, became available and Marine units eized nam, which ran from 22 January until units had left Vietnam by mid-I971.
for the be ieged Marines at Khe anh. transports. Four UE-I E gunships also flew arguing that the ir Force simply did not upon the opportunity to grab a few of I March. These operations, which were However, that departure soon proved
Code named Operation iagara, the air cover, with a single T A-4F providing the understand the Marine air role. the e for the FAC role. ome of the mo I' successful by Marine premature, as the orth Vietnamese
effort in defence of Khe Sanh wa joined overall tactical co-ordination for the Originally designed to operate as a ground force, aimed to infiltrate VC launched a major invasion across the
by all services, with Marine performing mission. trainer for advanced jet units in the tates, camps in Laos and to interdict the upply
Fast FAC Skyhawks DMZ into South Vietnam on 30 March
close air up port and radar-guided attacks Once the aircraft and hel icopters had the e two-seaters retained the single-seat lines from orth Vietnam. 1972. force again scrambled to deploy
and Air Force B-52 Arc Lighe trikes. Co- launched, all would gather in the vicinity One of the interesting developments of A-4s full combat operational capability. Marine kyhawk activity began to support unit and air power to the region,
ordination of all aircraft was handled by of Khe anh and await instructions from the war occurred with the innovative use Only range was limited by the addition of wind down in mid-1969 with Pre ident as only two carriers and variou Thailand-
a Ta tical Air Controller (Airborne) or the T A-4F. When word was given, the of two- eat jets as forward air control the second cockpit, which was eldom a Nixon's decision to phase-out troops based ir Force units remained. As part
TAC(A), who sometimes complained A-4s would then charge down and 'sani- aircraft, observation, and escorts for hel i- problem because of aerial refuelling. T A- in Vietnam, and in early 1970, VMA-211 of the effort, three Marine fighter squad-
that there were simply too many strike tize' the area with cannon fire, rockets, copter transports. Given their range, 4Fs served with H&M -II at Oa ang, and VMA-223 left hu Lai for the U . rons and two VMA squadrons were order-
sorties hoveri ng overhead. Indeed, reports and napalm, after which the CH-46s speed, and weapons-carriage, the jets were and H&M -12 and -13 at Chu Lai - and Many of the MAGs lost combat squadrons ed to return to South Vietnam. A-4Es of
would later show that an average of 300 would land and unload their supplies. perfect for these roles and the added set performed out tandingly in this capacity. and MAG- 13, still ba ed at Chu Lai, was VMA-211 and VM -31/ deployed to
sorti s p r day were directed at Khe anh mazingly, many of these unloads took of 'eyes' further enhanced their value for Missions included the tradi ional FAC down to one A-4 squadron, VMA-311. Bien Hoa air base, 15 miles (25km) north-
and over 35,000 tons (21,336,000kg) of no longer than five minutes to accom- low-level operations. Beginning in 1966, role, observation, and spotting for both otable also were several Marine orp east of aigon, arriving on 17 May. Both
ordnance delivered. Some of the Khe plish, although it certainly must have H&M -13 based at Oa ang had been Marine artillery and naval guns from U S F-4 squadrons taken from Oa Nang. Later squadrons immediately began flying sorties
750 757
------_.
".
SKYHAWKSATW R SKYHAWKS AT WAR
1964
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Comblt
Used Modex the Line Loss.
USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW-19) VA-192 A-4C NM 2xx 28 Jan 1964 to 21 Nov 1964 39 o
VA-195 A-4C NM 5xx o
USS Constellation (CVW-14) VA-144 A-4C NK 4xx 05 May 1964 to 01 Feb 1965 68 1
VA-146 A-4C NK 6xx o
USS Coral Sea (CVW-15) VA-153 A-4C NL 3xx 07 Dec 1964 to 01 Nov 1965 167 6
VA-155 A-4E NL 5xx 5
USS Hancock (CVW-21) VA-212 A-4E NP 2xx 21 Oct 1964 to 29 May 1965 82
VA-216 A-4C NP 6xx
USS Ticonderoga ICVW-5) VA-55 A-4E NF 5xx 14 Apr 1964 to 15 Dec 1964 61 o
VA-56 A-4E NF 4xx o
USS Kearsage ICVSG-53) VA-153 Del. R A-4B n/k 19 Jun 1964 to 16 Dec 1964 58 o
USS Ranger (CVW-9) VA-93 A-4C NG 3xx 5 Aug 1964 to 6 May 1965 103 o
VA-94 A-4C NG 4xx
USS Yorktown ICVSG-551 VMA-223 Del. T A-4C WP xx 23 Oct 1964 to 16 May 1965 57 o
1965
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
Used Modex the Line Losses
USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW-19) VA-192 A-4C NM 2xx 21 Apr 1965 to 13 Jan 1966 136
VA-l95 A-4C NM 5xx
USS Enterprise ICVW-91 VA-36 A-4C NG 7xx 26 Dct 1965 to 21 Jun 1966 131 4
VA-76 A-4C NG 5xx 3
VA-93 A-4C NG 3xx o
VA-94 A-4C NG 4xx 4
USS Independence ICVW-7) VA-72 A-4E AG 3xx 10 May 1965 to 13 Dec 1965 100 2
VA-86 A-4E AG 4xx 1
USS Kitty Hawk ICVW-11) VA-113 A-4C NH 3xx 19 Oct 1965 to 13 Jun 1966 122 2
An A-4E armed with four Mk 77 napalm bombs taxies under the guidance of a plane handler prior to a USS Midway (CVW-2) VA-22 A-4C NE 2xx 06 Mar 1965 to 23 Nov 1965 144 4
mission in South Vietnam. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann VA-23 A-4E NE 3xx 4
USS Oriskany (CVW-16) VA-163 A-4E AH 3xx 05 Apr 1965 to 16 Dec 1965 141 4
VA-164 A-4E AH4xx 2
along the Cambodian and Laotian borders low overcast and funning in towards the hills , and VMA-311 left Bien Hoa for Iwakuni, USS Ranger (CVW-14) VA-55 A-4E NK 4xx 10 Dec 1965 to 25 Aug 1966 137 8
attempting to interdict the flow of troops where you'd he rccovering on thc climb japan, on 29 january 1973. These were VA-146 A-4C NK 6xx 2
and supplie inro the south. Again, our flying through thc soup. \'Vc also acted as the last two fixed-wing squadrons to
cover for in~crtions and extraction;; of Recoil USS Ticonderoga (CVW-51 VA-56 A-4E NF 4xx 28 Sep 1965 to 13 May 1966 112 2
Colonel CalJas flew some of these depart Vietnam.
VA-144 A-4C NF 5xx 4
mi ions with VMA-311 a it Command- troops or rccovcry of crews from downcd heli- The Vietnam War came to a close on
ing Officer: copters. 23 january 1973, with an armistice signed. USS Bennington ICVSG-591 VA-113 A-4B n/k 22 May 1965 to 07 Oct 1965 34 o
VMA-211 and -311 flcw only daytime strikcs egotiations resulted in POWs being Del. Q
Targcts in amhodia wcrc usually along the from Bicn Hoa. Wc supportcd ARV I [South released by 29 March. While all air activ- USS Hornet ICVSG-57) H&MS-15 A-4C YV 8x 12 Aug 1965 to 23 Mar 1966 80 o
'1-10 Chi Minh' Trail. Occasionally wc caught Victnamese Army] units and occasionally ity over the North was done, strikes con- Del. N
thcm transporting cquipmcnt passing through tcamcd up with ohscrvation aircnlft (rom thc tinued in Laos and Cambodia unril all U
clcarings, ctc. BUI most of thc timc wc droppcd Air Cav and 20'h Tactical Air Support forces in south-east Asia were stood down
bombs in trce lines. All drops wcre controllcd quad ron (20'h TA -U AF) for strikcs in II on 15 August 1973. In the nine years from 1966
hy airbornc FAC , usually in Ocs [0-1 Bird and IV Corps.l>! 5 Augu t 1964 to Augu t 1973, over 6.2 Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
Dogsl or Oys -little puddlc jumpcrs. ometimcs millions tons of ordnance wa dropped Used Modex the Line Losses
we relicvcd prcssure on combat basc unJcr Finally, on 2 january 1973, a division of over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and USS Constellation ICVW-15) VA-153 A-4C NL 3xx 12 May 1966 to 03 Dec 1966 111 3
"c~e, using apalm or high drag ( nakeyes) A-4Es from VMA-311 delivered the final some 3.5 million sortie flown, during VA-155 A-4E NL 5xx 4
bombs - 250 or 5 pounders (113 or 227kg). kyhawk warload of the war during a which 3,720 fixed-wing aircraft were lost,
including 266 kyhawks. USS Coral Sea (CVW-21 VA-22 A-4C NE 2xx 29 Jul 1966 to 23 Feb 1967 109 4
This could get intcresting if operating under a mission over Cambodia. Both VMA-211
VA-23 A-4E NE 3xx 3
752 753
-- ._---------------
- -- ---=-.; ........ - -
SKYHAWKS AT WAR SKYHAWKS AT WAR
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
Used Modex the Line Losses Used Modex the Line Losses
USS Hancock (CVW-21) VA-212 A-4E NP 2xx 10 Nov 1965 to 01 Aug 1966 143 2 USS Intrepid (CVW-1 0) VA-36 A-4C AK 5xx 04 Jun 1968 to 08 Feb 1969 106 a
VA-216 A-4C NP 6xx 4 VA-66 A-4C AK 3xx 1
VA-106 A-4E AK 2xx 1
USS Intrepid (CVW-1 0) VA-15 A-4B AK 3xx 04 Apr 1966 to 21 Nov 1966 103 a
VA-95 A-4B AK 5xx a USS Kitty Hawk (CVW-11) VA-ll2 A-4C NH 4xx 18 Nov 1968 to 28 Jun 1968 125 1
VA-144 A-4E NH 3xx 3
USS Kitty Hawk (CVW-11) VA-ll2 A-4C NH 4xx 05 Nov 1966 to 20 Jun 1967 149 2
VA-144 A-4C NH 3xx 2 USS Ranger (CVW-2) VA-155 A-4F N E 4xx 26 Oct 1968 to 17 May 1969 91 a
USS Oriskany (CVW-16) VA-163 A-4E AH 3xx 26 May 1966 to 16 Nov 1966 87
VA-164 A-4E AH 4xx
1969
USS Roosevelt (CVW-1) VA-12 A-4E AB 4xx 21 Jun 1966 to 21 Feb 1967 95 a Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
VA-72 A-4E AB 5xx 4
Used Modex the Line Losses
VA-l72 A-4C AB 3xx 4
USS Ticonderoga ICVW-19) VA-192 A-4E NM 2xx 15 Oct 1966 to 29 May 1967 34 1 USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW-5) VA-22 A-4F NF 3xx 18 Mar 1969 to 29 Oct 1969 97 a
VA-195 A-4C NM 5xx 2 VA-94 A-4E NF 4xx a
VA-144 A-4E NF 5xx 1
USS Hancock ICVW-21) VA-55 A-4F NP 5xx 02 Aug 1969 to 15 Apr 1970 113 1
1967 VA-164 A-4F NP 4xx a
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat VA-212 A-4F NP 3xx 1
Used Modex the Line Losses USS Oriskany (CVW-19) VA-23 A-4F NM 3xx 16 Apr 1969 to 17 Nov 1969 116 1
USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW-21) VA-76 A-4C NP 6xx 26 Jan 1967 to 25 Aug 1967 112 4 VA-192 A-4F NM 4xx a
VA-212 A-4E NP 2xx 6 VA-195 A-4E NM 5xx a
USS Constellation (CVW-14) VA-55 A-4C NK 5xx 29 Apr 1967 to 04 Dec 1967 121 a USS Ticonderoga (CVW-16) VA-112 A-4C AH 4xx 01 Feb 1969 to 11 Sep 1969 97 a
VA-146 A-4C NK 6xx 2
USS Coral Sea (CVW-15) VA-153 A-4E NL 3xx 26 Jul 1967 to 06 Apr 1968 132 2
1970
VA-155 A-4E NL 5xx 3
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
USS Enterprise (CVW-9) VA-56 A-4C NG 4xx 19 Nov 1966 to 06 Jul 1967 132 1
Used Modex the Line Losses
VA-113 A-4C NG 3xx 2
06 Jun 1967 to 14 Sep 1967 a USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW -5) VA-22 A-4F NF 3xx 02 Apr 1970 to 12 Nov 1970 101 a
USS Forrestal (CVW-17) VA-46 A-4E AA 4xx
a VA-94 A-4E NF 4xx a
VA-106 A-4E AA 3xx
VA-144 A-4F NF 5xx a
USS Hancock (CVW-51 VA-93 A-4E NF 3xx 05 Jan 1967 to 22 Jul 1967 102 5
NF 4xx 1
USS Hancock (CVW-21) VA-55 A-4F NP 5xx 22 Oct 1970 to 02 Jun 1971 110 a
VA-94 A-4C
VA-164 A-4F NP 4xx a
USS Intrepid ICVW-lO) VSF-3 A-4B AK 1xx 11 May 1967 to 30 Dec 1967 103 2 VA-212 A-4F NP 3xx a
VA-15 A-4C AK 2xx 5
A-4C AK 3xx 4
USS Shangri-La (CVW-8) VA-12 A-4C AJ 4xx 05 Mar 1970 to 17 Dec 1970 120 a
VA-34
VA-152 A-4E AJ 5xx a
USS Oriskany (CVW-161 VA-163 A-4E AH 3xx 16 Jun 1967 to 31 Jan 1968 122 10 VA-l72 A-4C AJ 3xx 1
VA-164 A-4E AH 4xx 10
USS Ranger (CVW-2) VA-22 A-4C NE 2xx 04 Nov 1967 to 25 May 1968 88 a 1972
USS Ticonderoga (CVW-19) VA-23 A-4F NM 3xx 27 Dec 1967 to 17 Aug 1968 212 a Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
VA-192 A-4F NM 2xx 7
Used Modex the Line Losses
VA-195 A-4C NM 5xx 1
USS Hancock (CVW-2l) VA-55 A-4F NP 5xx 07 Jan 1972 to 03 Oct 1972 165 3
VA-164 A-4F NP 4xx a
1968 VA-212 A-4F NP 3xx 2
Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
Used Modex the Line Losses
1973
USS Bon Homme Richard (CVW-5) VA-93 A-4F NF 3xx 27 Jan 1968 to 10 Oct 1968 135 4
VA-94 A-4E NF 4xx a Carrier/Air Wing A-4 Squadrons Variant Tail Code/ Deployment Dates Days on Combat
VA-212 A-4F NF 5xx 2 Used Modex the Line Losses
USS Coral Sea (CVW-15) VA-153 A-4F NL 3xx 07 Sep 1968 to 18 Apr 1969 110 a USS Hancock (CVW-21) VA-55 A-4F NP 5xx 08 May 1973 to 08 Jan 1974 28 a
VA-216 A-4C NL 6xx 3 VA-164 A-4F NP 4xx a
VA-212 A-4F NP 3xx a
USS Enterprise (CVW-9) VA-56 A-4E NG 4xx 03 Jan 1968 to 18 Jul 1968 100 2
VA-113 A-4F NG 3xx 2
USS Hancock (CVW-21) VA-55 A-4F NP 5xx 18 Jul 1968 to 03 Mar 1969 107 2
VA-163 A-4E NP 3xx a
VA-164 A-4E NP 4xx 1
154 155
----~ - - - - - ------- -----
Skyhawks in Foreign
Service quently returned to their shore base for
additional training.
Within days of their return, however,
the carrier and its air group, as a part of
Although it took over ten years and some and refurbished models, with Indonesia 4E for the single-scat, and CA-4F for the Task Force 79, were back at sea to conduct
2,000 A-4s to be produced before any purchasing a batch of A-4Es from Israel two-seat variant, that offered many of the further training in anticipation of hattie
orders were placed, the -4 Skyhawk and Brazil buying twenty-three A-4s from added capabi lities developed over the with the British carriers HMS Hermes and
became one of the most successfu I export Kuwait. years. HMS Invincible which it foresaw devel-
aircraft in US history. With its low cost, Certainly, the new builds offered many An advanced trainer version, the oping as early as 30 April By 2 May, the
high degree of reliability, and low main- advantages to the US military. Building TCA-4F, was also offered. Based on the two opposing carrier groups were only 150
tenance requirements, not to mention its export models permitted Douglas to keep A-4F model but stripped of its weapons, miles (245km) apart and reports state that
proven track record with US forces in its production line open longer, thereby the TCA-4F was powered by the 9,3001b the Argentines were close to launching a
Vietnam, foreign countries became inter- helping to contain manufacturing costs for (4,222kg) thrust J52-P-8A, although strike against the British carriers using all
ested in the Skyhawk to modernize their the US models, such as the -F and -M. other options were provided, including eight Skyhawks equipped with six Mk 2
frontline air forces. Some have attributed Sales of new and refurbished Skyhawks the 12,0001b (5,448kg) thrust Rolls-Royce Snakeye iron bombs. One A-4 was
this long delay to the fact that no two- also gave US all ies, such as Israel and RB 168 Spey and the 1l,6501b (5,290kg) reported to have been configured for air
seat version was available for pilot Australia, current-generation hardware thrust General Electric non-afterburning defence with A[M-9 Sidewinders.
training: there may be some merit to that and pO'mitted some level of standardiza- ]79. This strike was apparently abandoned
claim, since the export sales began about tion of weapons and stores. The following review looks at each The second batch, also of twenty-five Argentina again turned to the US in 1976 due to unusually light winds that ham-
the same time as the two-seat T A-4E/F At one point in 1958, Douglas identi- foreign user in order of purchase, begin- aircraft, was delayed until 1970 due to to purchase another twenty-five A-4s, this pered take-off in the maximum weight
was developed. fied an export aircraft, called the DA-101, ning with Argentina in 1965. Congressional concerns that the sale time a refurbished A-4C variant. configuration, which was needed to reach
Most foreign purchases consisted of based on the A4D-2. These were to come would deplete the number of aircraft avail- The A-4Ps, still called the A-4B by the British fleet. Later that morning, the
refurbished models, with only 277, less from surplus Skyhawks and were priced at able to aval and Marine Corps Res rve Argentinians, served with ] and Il S-2E Tracker shadowing the British
than 10 per cent of all built, consisting $35,000. However, with the Vietnam War units and force them to rely on the Escuadrones from Grupo 5 de Caza of carrier group lost contact and, following
of new builds. Of the foreign sales, only heating up in 1964, these A4D-2s were outdated A4D-l model All A-4Ps relied V Brigada era. These units were based the sinking of ARA General Be/grano by
Argentina at General Pringle's Air Base at Villa a shadowing British submarine that after-
Australia, Israel, Kuwait and New Zealand needed for Reserve and non-deploying on the 7,7001b (3,495kg) thrust J65-W-
received new builds. Argentina, Malaysia, Fleet squadrons. Douglas later considered Entering into a 7.1 million contract in 16A engi ne and none were fi tted for Reynolds. The A-4Cs were stationed at noon, the Veinccino De Mayo returned to
and Singapore would receive reworked a special export Sky hawk, designated CA- 1965, the Argenti ne Air Force (Fuerza Sidewinder carriage or loft bombing. Commandate Espora Naval Air Station port on 5 May. Although that battle never
Aerea Argentine or FAA) became the These Skyhawks featured the Escapac I and were assigned to I Escaudrone of IV occurred, one wonders how it would have
first foreign buyer of the A-4, with an ejection seat with the Stencil modifica- Aerea Brigada's Grupo 4 de Caza. Today, impacted the war effort had Argentina
initial purchase of fifty surplus A-4Bs to tion and were equipped with the lift A-4s all operate with Grupo 5 de Caza, succeeded in damaging or sinking one of
replace their ageing Gloster Meteors and spoiler introduced in the A-4F model with III Escuadron operating the the Bri tish carriers.
orth American F-86 fighters. Argen- Visibly, they di{fered from US models by remaining A-4Cs, and I and Ii Escuadron Shortly after the occupation began,
tina's Skyhawks were refurbished to the the addition of a ADF aerial 'blister' on operating the new A-4AR. Grupo 4 moved its twelve A-4Cs (nine
new standards at the Douglas plant in the top fuselage and a 'ring' type antenna of which were operational) to San Julian;
Tulsa, Oklahoma, and, following the on the tailfin Grupo 5 moved its twelve A-4Bs to Rio
The Falklands War
initial flight on 31 December 1965, were In 197 J, the Argentine aval Air Arm Gallegos. No real combat occurred until
delivered in two batches. The first, (Comando de Aviacion aval Argentina The most recent test of the A-4 Skyhawk [2 May when HMS Glasgow and HMS
consisting of twenty-five A-4Bs, redesig- or CA A) decided to equip its avy's at war came in April 1982 when Brilliant were attacked by Skyhawks from
nated as A-4Ps, were delivered in June sole carrier, the J 6,000 ton ARA 25 Argentine military forces invaded the Grupo 5 de Caza. Glasgow, a Type 42 des-
1966. The delay resulted from initial crew Veinccino De Mayo (the ex-British light Falkland Islands. At the outset, Argentina troyer, was hit, although two 500lb bombs
training in the US. carrier HMS Venerable), with Skyhawks had a total of forty-eight Skyhawks of failed to detonate and passed through the
and acquired sixteen refurbished A-4Bs, various models; twenty-six of these were ship. Four attacking Skyhawks were lost,
redesignated as A-4Q. These models were A-4Bs, twelve were A-4Cs and ten were although Argentina considered it a success
updated by Lockheed Martin Air Services A-4Qs belonging to the CANA. When - it believed it had sunk Brilliant and
at Ontario, California. Unlike the A-4P, the invasion began, the ten A-4Qs aboard damaged Glasgow. Interestingly, after this
Douglas introduced the designations CA-4E (single-
this variant used the 8,4001b (3,815kg) the ARA Veintcino De Mayo were ready attack, Argentina re-evaluated its attack
seat) and CA-4F (two-seat) to identify export
variants based on the US Navy A-4F. A third export
thrust J65- W -20 engine. Th is variant, too, to provide cover for advancing Argentine tactics and determ ined that it would
designation. CTA-4F. was used for the advanced as with American models, was equipped troops. But because British {orces offered conduct all future anti-ship attacks from
two-seat trainer variant. Douglas Aircraft Co. via to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Having no air opposition, these kyhawks were abeam. Tanking would also be used for
Aerospace Publishing had success in operating the Skyhawk, not called into action and were subse- future missions.
156 157
- -----------
158 159
SKYHAWKS IN FOREIGN SERVICE SKYHAWKS IN FOREIGN SERVICE
760 767
-- - - ------- ---
762 763
SKYI-IAWKS IN FOREIGN SERVICE
The Israeli A-4N of No. 102 'Tiger' squadron seen in 1998. This model is also based on the Marines A-4M,
but features two 30mm DEFA cannons with 150 rounds each and an extended tailpipe to reduce infra-red
signature. Israel bought 117 of these, with deliveries commencing in 1972 replacing A-4E losses during the
Yom Kippur War. Peter Foster
MCA Yuma. Designated as the A-4KU (5,0 5kg) thrustj52-P-4 engines.ltalso escaped to Saudi Arabia where they would
and T A-4K ,the Kuwaiti kyhawks have incorporated the aft avionics package of later fly mis ions as the Free Kuwait Air
been described by some as the most the OA-4M used by the Marines and Force (FKAF) from Dhahran Air Base, in
capable of all the variants, retained an ordnance capability equal to upport of Operation Desert SlOrJn. During
The A-4KUs were based on the already that of the ingle-seat A-4K . the course of the war, FKAF A-4 flew a
succe ful -4M being produced at that Deliveries began in late 1976, following total of 1,361 orties and lost only one
time for the Marine orp. For the the A-4K 's fir t flight on 20 july 1976 aircraft. tandard warload for the Kuwaiti
most part, the single-seat model remained and the TA-4K 's fir t flight on 14 kyhawks included two 450 gallon
the same as its American counterpart, December. McDonnell Douglas test pilot ( 1,703 Iitre) tanks on the inboard station,
although certain capabilities were deleted, Fred Hamilton was at the controls for each and five Mk 7 dispensers for luster bombs
uch as hrike, Walleye, and the nuclear flight. Nos 9 and 25 quadrons received or Mk 2 bombs (LDGP, nakeyes, or
delivery. The Hughes Angle-Rate Bom- these Skyhawks at Ahmad al-jabr. LDGPs with laisy-currer fuse extenders)
bing et (ARBS) was added, however, and Kuwait -4s saw their 'baptism-by-fire' on TERs. Following the war and the liber-
the Maverick capability retained. As for with the 2 August 1990 Iraqi invasion. ation of Kuwait, the Skyhawks were
the T A-4K ,it was the sole two-seat vari- Many A-4s were captured by the Iraqis, replaced by F/A-I Hornets and eventu- Israel's initial purchases were the A-4F-derived A-4H. These models lacked the aft avionic hump, but
ant produced with the up-rated 11,2001b although twenty-four (mostly A-4KUs) ally purchased by Brazil. added a brake chute and AN/APX-46 fin-tip IFF. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann
764 765
SK YHA WKS I FOREIGN SERVICE SKYHAWKS IN FOREIGN SERVICE
yrian fighrer ; one, a M iG-17, wirh rhe In an effort to modernize its air force, New Zealand
30mm cannon, and rhe second, a MiG-19, purchased fourteen A-4s in the late 1960s.
wirh 2Yzin (6.35cm) air-ro-ground rocker. Designated as the A-4K and TA-4K, the avionics
hump featured only on the single-seat A-4K, but, in
Over rhe course of rhe eighreen-day
many cases was empty due to financial constraints
Ocrober 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel is
that prohibited purchasing the standard
said ro have losr upwards of fifry -4s, electronics/avionics gear. The A-4Ks were
alrhough precise numbers are nor available assigned to No. 75 Squadron based at Ohakea, New
due ro rhe securiry surrounding I raeli Zealand. Boeing Co. via author
operarions.
Israel onrinued Aying rhe Skyhawk in
an operarional role unril rhe mid-1990 ,
bur has since relegared rhe A-4 ro a rrain-
ing role. Many A-4s have been rerained,
however, in war srorage and for possible
sale ro foreign counrries (such as Indonesia
in 1979). Israel also reporredly modified a
small number of T A-4H Skyhawks ro
serve in rhe EW role, adding jammer pods
and an Elra chaff sysrem.
New Zealand
Anorher long-rerm eu ramer ha been
ew Zealand. In an efforr ro modernize
ir armed forces in rhe lare 1960s, rhe
The A-4N cockpit features a combination of old and new technology, having gauges and the Elliot wide- Royal ew Zealand Air Force (R ZAF)
angle HUD. Boeing Historical Archives via Harry Gann began exploring possible replacemenr for Royal New Zealand Air Force A-4 Losses and Other Notables
'" I NZ621O/157913 A-4K unknown 24 Oct 1989 - Crashed in mid-air collision with NZ6211 during aerobatics practice. Pilot was killed.
,- - ,
NZ6211/154903 A-4G/K 15 Jul 1967 24 Oct 1989 - Damaged in collision with NZ6210 during aerobatic practice. Repaired and returned to
service 17 Nov 1990.
NZ6212/154904 A-4G/K 20 Jul 1967 29 Jan 1986 - Lost canopy in flight.
NZ6213/154905 A-4G/K 26 Jul 1967
NZ6214/154908 A-4G/K 8 Aug 1967 Date unknown - Successfully completed a wheels-up landing after losing a wheel during a touch and
go on HMAS Melbourne.
I NZ6215/155052 A-4F/G/K 26 Jun 1967 26 Oct 1968 to 17 May 1969 - Deployed to Vietnam on USS Ranger with VA-155. 2 Aug 1969 to 15 Apr
1970 - Served on USS Hancock with VA-212.
NZ6216/155061 A-4F/G/K 31 Jul 1967 Same Vietnam deployment as above.
NZ6217/155063 A-4F/G/K unknown 26 Oct 1968 to 17 May 1969 - On USS Ranger Vietnam deployment with VA-155. 2 Aug 1969 to 15 Apr
1970 - Served on USS Hancock with VA-55 during Vietnam deployment.
NZ6218/155069 A-4F/G/K 29 Jun 1967 Last A-4F built. 26 Oct 1968 to 17 May 1969 - Deployed to Vietnam with VA-155 on USS Ranger. 2 Jul
1969 - Severely damaged by a wire strike with the USN. 3 Jun 1985 - Rolled over during landing at
RAAF Base Townsville while in service for RNZAF. Repaired and returned to service 29 Mar 1990.
NZ6251/157914 TA-4K 5 Dec 1969
NZ6252/157915 TA-4K 24 Jan 1970 5 Feb 1997 - Canopy inadvertently jettisoned during flight. Repaired and returned to service 14 Ju11997.
NZ6253/157916 TA-4K unknown 25 Mar 1981 - Crashed in the Ruahine Ranges. Pilot killed.
NZ6254/157917 TA-4K 21 Feb 1970 23 Mar 1994 - Prototype 'Kahu' two-seat variant damaged in heavy landing. Repaired and returned to
service 1 Feb 1995.
NZ6255/154911 TA-4G/K 21 Jul 1967 14 Sep 1989 - Landed wheels-up after touching down short of the runway threshold and tearing off
part of the main landing gear. Repaired and returned to service 12 Mar 1990.
Three Israeli A-4Es drop napalm during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Aerospace Publishing NZ6256/154912 TA-4G/K 16 Aug 1967 1987 - Flew RNZAF fiftieth anniversary golden colour scheme.
166 167
SKYHAWKS IN FOREIGN SERVICE SKYIIAWKS IN FOREIGN ERVICE
Examples of the vastly improved A-4K are seen when six A-4s and approximately fifty
here at NAS Nowra in Australia in current personnel set up there. The agreeme[)[
markings. The Kahu retrofit. initiated in the 1980s. called for 1,0 hour per annum to be
put the A-4 on par with the F-16 in the close
nown in support of the ustral ian Defence
support/maritime interdiction role. Most of the
Force (mainly the RA ). This largely
upgrade focused on avionics and included the
installation of an APG-66 derivative radar.
consists of training the crews and cali-
Calum Gibson brating the weapons systems of ships just
out of refit and new ships such as the
A ZAC frigates entering service with the
RAN and R Z . The rest of the nying
time nown by the squadron (a total of
on [ june. These kyhawks were assigned 1,7 hI'S per aircraft) wa available for
to 75 quadron at Ohakea, and went on pilot conversion (all A-4 pilots graduated
to erve in the close air support, inter- at 10wra , the final two in September
diction, anti-shipping, and limited air 1999).
defence roles, with AIM-9G idewinder Initially two, later three TA-4s were
missiles. Other weapons included standard based in Australia. The squadron also
Mk 0 series bombs and 2Xin (6.9cm) undertook trials work on new equipment
rockets, and possibly also Sin (12.7cm) at 10wra. [n 1996, the Enhanced owra
Zunis. Agreement was signed, increasing support
ew Zealand's initial A-4 purchase was nying hours to [,35 hours, including the
augmented in 19 4 when it acquired ten involvement of No.75 Squadron, and
its Canberras and de Havilland Vampire forty-eight maintenance staff members A-4Gs (eight single and two two- cat) valid until 30 june 2001. [t has since been
FB5s. Under consideration was the trained on the A-4 with VA-44 at NA from Australia. They arrived in july 1984. stated that the same agreement will con-
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, the Norehrop ecil Field. Interestingly, one of the The co t of the purchase was AU 2.2 tinue with the F-16s (although nothing
F-5 Freedom Fighter, and an Australian kyhawks that ew Zealand pilots trained million Z 40 million. These kyhawks has been signed).
vel' ion of the French Mirage. Impre sed with (BuNo. 155069) was actually were immediately upgraded to the Kiwi The ew Zealand anti-nuclear policy
with the A-4's performance in Vietnam, purchased by them in their 19 4 acquisi- standards by the addition of the drag chute has led to the su pension of the A ZU
though, an R ZAF team visited Douglas tion of A-4s from Australia. Delivery of and VHF radios. Following the sale, agreement (by the ), and direct exer-
in April 196 to evaluate the Skyhawk's the entire purchase was made in May ustralia and New Zealand reached an cises between the US and ew Zealand
potential as a strike platform. Impressions 1970, with USS O/<inawa (LPH-3) accord whereby a small squadron of six have nor taken place since 1984. On occa-
were favourable, and a 26 million providing the transport to ew Zealand. -4Ks (with the newly re-established 2 sion, however, RNZAF A-4s and S /
contract was signed on 3 july 196 for the Okinawa arrived on 17 May, the aircraft quadron) would be stationed in ustralia U MC aircraft have 'just happened to
purchase of ten single-scat and two two- were towed from the docks to R ZA F at the Royal Australian aval Air Station bump into each other' over Australia. I
seat kyhawks, both ba ed on the A-4F Whenuapai by tug and Landrovers. The (RAN S) at owra, ydney. These am informed that the Kiwis have 'won' a
model. first aircraft (TA-4K Z6254) was nown kyhawks routinely train with Australian number of these unoffi ial encounters.
Designated as the A-4K and T A-4K, in ew Zealand on 21 May; the last F-III sand F/ -I s. The A-4s arc based lew Zealand A-4s often deploy to
the baseline A-4Fs were modified along arrived at Ohakea from Whenuapai on 27 at Nowra under the Nowra Agreement, south-east Asia for exercises under the
the lines of the Israeli -4H and US May and the neet was accepted at Ohakea which came into being in March 1991 Five Power Defence Arrangement ( Z,
Marine Corps -4Ms, with the addition Australia, the K, ingapore and
of a 14ft (4.2m) drogue brake chute, an Malay ia). Currently, the main annual
A / px-n IFF mounted in the vertical exercise i Vanguard, which consists of
tabiliser, modified VHF radio, and provi- everal phases. The most recent was
.' winding-up in Malaysia at the time of the
sions for the AIM-9 idewinder on two
of the five stations. The e were painted a recent troubles in East Timor. Submarine
four-colour camounage of shades of green, exercises in 1997 included Thai-Kiwi
brown, and grey - the standard T.O-I 14 (teaching the Thais maritime attack), and
Asia Minor/SEA cheme. Flying Fish (air defence and anti-subma-
The first A-4K new on 1 ovember rine warfare combined). In 1997, o. 75
1969, the first T A-4K on 5 December. quadron was the only unit involved
Test pilots Walter Smith and john Lane (which included RAF Tornado F.3s, Royal
were at the respective controls. \X!hile the Navy Sea Harriers, Singaporean A-4s,
remaining orders were filled, ten pilots and F-5s and F-16s, and Malaysian F-5s,
Hawks and MiG-29 'Fulcrums') to achieve
a 10 per cent sortie rate.
Overseas deployments are supported by
a P-3K Orion (at least) as navigation
This Kahu A-4 sits with engine running as a leader and AR support. The tran- A comparison between the pre- and post-Kahu upgrade. The latter incorporates the Ferranti 4510 wide-
groundsman makes final checks. Tasman leg requires topping-up from at angle HUD and Vintan airborne video recording system. plus an ALR-66 RWR pre-Kahu (top) and post-Kahu
Calum Gibson least one buddy-tank-equipped A-4 which (bottom). Troy Campbell
168 169
ERVICE
SKYIIA\ KS IN FOREIGN ERVICE
170 171
SKYHAWKS IN FOREIG SERVICE
772 773
SKYI-IAWKS IN FOREIG SERVICE
SKYHAWKS I 'FOREIGN SERVICE
carriers Foell and Ctemenceau in eptem- with the new A-4M, al 0 made inquirie
When operational, these kyhawks will
ber 1972. Both carriers wer approxim- during the mid-to-Iate 1960s. Both ges-
operate from the 19,890 ton carrier Minas
ately the same size as the US Navy's 'Essex' tures were quashed, however, by US con-
Gerais (A-II), formerly the British HMS
class, which had successfully operated cerns over possible instability that might
Vengeance. Intere tingly, this carrier wa
the kyhawk off of Vietnam. Catapult be created in the region as a result of the
built in 1945 and holds the distinction of
incompatibility problems oon developed introduction of the newer generation air-
being the olde t carrier in active service.
and the tests were can clled. Rather than frames.
Current plans are for some level of
fix the problem by strengthening and Dougla also offered the A-4 to various
upgrade to these kyhawks in the early
extending the French catapults, a deci- ATO countries, including Greece, the
2000s. Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium, to fill
sion was made to purchase the Dassault
uper Etendard. ome, however, speculate the role of a close air support/reconnais-
that the true reason for the decision not sance air raft. The Indian Navy was also a
Other Foreign Sales to procure the kyhawks was political, in potential buyer. Some of these countries,
namely Belgium, and the etherlands
Considered, But that the French were already operating
would eventually purchase the F- I6 Fight-
-built F- Crusaders and the presence
Not Fulfilled of two foreign aircraft types on a French ing Falcon.
At the time of writing, Bolivia was
Several other countries considered the carrier would do little for the morale of the
al 0 considering a purchase of eighteen
A-4, but for various reasons did not pro- French aviation business.
Brazil and Columbia, both of whom T A-4Js for its air force, with the ultimate
ceed to purchase. One of these was France,
wanted to upgrade their ageing air forces goal of having twelve operational trainers.
who initially evaluated the A-4M for its
This VMA-214 'Blacksheep' A-4M was used for the French Navy's carrier evaluation in 1973. The Skyhawk
lis were not selected by the French, but would have given them a credible strike platform. Stephen H. Miller
via Lt Cdr Rick Burgess USN Retd
A-4PTM (Particular To Malaysia), these their soon-to-be instructor role shortly These are called 'Falcoes', which means
kyhawks would ee the installation of thereafter. Flight training was included in 'Hawks' in Portuguese. Brazil is reported
new wiring and th addition of two new the contract. Del iveries to Malaysia com- to have selected the Kuwaiti Scooters
wing stations rated at 1,0001b each. This menced in 1985 and were completed in because of their relatively low flight time
gave the A-4PTMs an appearance similar February 1986. Two squadrons were oper- and excellent condition.
to that of the A-4E, but with greater ational with the 0 6' aga' and No.9 The particular of the Brazilian
carriage capability. everal 0-704 buddy- 'Jebat' quadrons at Kuanton. In 1994, purchase date back to December 1997,
stores were also included in the Malaysian the A-4PTM wa withdrawn from service when a contract wa signed totall ing 3
purchase. (ah ad of its planned retirement in 1995) million. Included in th package w re
For the A-4Cs, aft avionics humps were and replaced by the BAe Hawk Mk 208. approximately 65,000 spare parts and
added to complete the A-4L-type upgrade. ix A-4s were retained for in-flight refu- nineteen spare J52-P-40 A engines. The
From an avioni standpoint, an A / elling services. Kuwaiti kyhawks were modifi d (essen-
AR -118 TACAN was install d as was tially overhauled) by Boeing in Kuwait
a Saab RGS-2A lead computing weapons and delivered to Brazil on 5 eptember
sight, the Lear Seigler altitude heading Brazil 199 . After a three-day road trip from port
reference system, and the A /ARC-154 to their new base at aval Air Station
UHF radio. The A-4PTM's cockpit wa The most recent purchaser of A-4s is ao Pedro d'Aldeia near Rio de Janeiro,
also modified to A-4M standards with a Brazil, who, in September 1998, received the Skyhawk were commis ioned as
'bubble' canopy. A drag chute was added twenty-three kyhawks from Kuwait. 1 Esquadro de Avioes de Interceptacao e
and the aircraft given AIM-9J and AGM- Twenty of these are the single-seat A- Ataque (Fighter/Attack quadron One
65A capabilities. As with the U avy 4KU models and three are T A-4K s. or VFA-l). They were then officially
T A-4 model, the fuselage was stretched Brazi I has redesignated these as the AF-1 inducted into the Brazilian Navy on 2
by 28in (78cm) to accommodate the TA- and AF-I A for the single-seat and two- October and will be kept in storage until
4PTM's second seat. seat version respectively, and assigned the the flight crews complete their training
The first A-4PTM flew in pril 1984, erial numbers 11001 - 1020 to the AF- with VT-7 at A Meridian. These A-
with RMAF pilots undergoing training for I and 1021-N1023 to the AF-IAs. 4s becam op rational in September 1999.
175
174
APPENDIX I APPE DIX"
176 177
VARIANT SPECIFICATIONS A 0 DETAILS
VARIANT SPECIFICATIONS A '0 DETAILS
RADAR ALTIMETER NO AN APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 AN/APN-141 ELEVATOR Itl POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED POWERED
AN/APN 194 STABILIZER TRIM
AIMS NO NO PROVISIONS* PROVISIONS* PARTIAL PARTIAL PARTIAL PROVISIONS PROVISIONS 12 Degrees Noseup
AFC-482 AFC-482 PROVISIONS PROVISIONS PROVISIONS AFC-482 ONLY 1 degree Nosedown NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
11 Degrees Noseup
ECM NO NO PROVISIONS PROVISIONS PROVISIONS SOME NO PROVISIONS PROVISIONS
1 Degree Nosedown NO NO NO NO NO NO YES YES NO
ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY
121. Degrees Noseup
SPECIAL WEAPON YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES 1 Degree Nosedown YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO YES
178
179
VARIANT SPECIFICATIONS A 'D DETAILS
AIMS
AN/APN-141
NO
AN/APN-141
NO
AN/APN-141
NO
AN/APN-141
NO
AN/APN-141
NO
AN/APN-194
PROVISIONS NO
PROVISIONS PROVISIONS AN/APN-114
ONLY ONLY
NO NO
History
EXCEPT
KIT/T SEC
A-4 Skyhawks were manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company (a division of McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing) at the EI Segundo and Long Beach,
ECM NO NO NO PROVISIONS NO PROVISIONS NO NO NO California plants. A total of 2,960 A-4s were built in seventeen different models over a production span of twenty-five years. Of those 2,960, 555
ONLY ONLY were produced as two-seat models, and 277 were original-builds for foreign countries. The list below is a best estimate based on numerous
SPECIAL WEAPON NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Douglas and Grumman documents, and lists compiled by others.
A4D-4 (cancelled)
780 787
A-4 PRODUCTIO HISTORY A-4 PRODUCTION HISTORY
A-4F 1 152101 (converted from A-4E) A-4M 2 155042, 155049 (converted from A-4Fs)
46 154172 to 154217 49 158148 to 158196
100 154970 to 155069 24 158412 to 158435
146 + 1 conversion 20 159470 to 159489
4 159490 to 159493
13 159778 to 159790
TA-4E (later converted to TA-4Fs) 2 152102 to 152103
24 160022 to 160045
24 160241 to 160264
TA-4F 33 152846 to 152878 158 + 2 conversions
31 153660 to 153690
73 153459 to 153531
OA-4M (23 conversions from TA-4Fsl 152856, 152874, 153507, 153510,
57 154287 to 154343
153527, 153529, 153531, 154294,
44 154614 to 154657
154306, 154307, 154328, 154333,
1 155071
154335, 154336, 154340, 154623,
241 + 2 conversions
154624, 154628, 154630, 154633,
154638, 154645, 154651
TA-4J (159 TA-4Js were converted 1 155070
from TA-4Fs - see below) 48 155072 to 155119
A-4A to TA-4A (known redesignations) 137813, 142149
60 156891 to 156950
75 158073 to 158147
75 158453 to 158527 A-4Bs to TA-4B (known redesignationsl
12 158712 to 158723 142103.142111-113.142116,142118,142121-122, 142125, 142131,
6 159090 to 159104 142141.142220,142676.142679.142682-683,142687. 142709, 142717,
277 142726.142735.142741.142745-746,142764,142768. 142772, 142777,
142783,142788.142790.142800.142807,142809, 142815, 142818-819,
TA-4J conversions from TA-4F 142821,142825.142829,142833-834,142837 (from NA-4B to TA-4Bl.
(These TA-4Fs were modified to the TA-4J 142842, 142849, 142865, 142868-869, 142873-874. 142876-877, 142879,
configuration by removal of much of the 142881, 142890, 142892, 142895, 142897, 142900. 142905, 142908,
weapons-orientated system.) 142913, 142920, 142922, 142929-930. 142934. 142937, 142942. 142946,
152103, 152847-850, 152853-855, 152858-859, 152861-864, 142948, 142953, 144870, 144872, 144874-875, 144878, 144882, 144884,
152867-868, 152870-872, 152875, 152878, 153409, 153460-469, 153471, 144889.144894,144901.144903,144913-915, 144917-919, 144924-926,
153473-479, 153482, 153486, 153490, 153492, 153495-498, 153500, 144929-930, 144932-933, 144937, 144940, 144943, 144947-948, 144954,
153502, 153512-513, 153515-518, 153521-522, 153524-526, 153528, 144956, 144964, 144966-967, 144972, 144974, 144983, 144985-986,
153530, 153661-664, 153667, 153669-672, 153674-681, 153683-685, 144988, 144994-996, 145000-001, 145004, 145008, 145010, 145012-013,
153687-690, 154287-293, 154295-300, 154303, 154305, 154310, 145022, 154024-025, 145029-031, 145033, 145035, 145038, 145047,
154312-315, 154317-319, 154322-323, 154327, 154330, 154332, 154338, 145050,145057,145059,145061
154341-343, 154614-619, 154626, 154631-632, 154634-636,
154649-650, 154653, 154656-657, 155072-095
EA-4F Electronic Aggressors 4 152852, 152869, 153481, 154655
A-4L (100 conversions from A-4Csl 145065, 145076, 145077, 145078, 145092, 145101,
145103,145114,145117,145119,145121,145122, A-4C proposed for US Army 2 148483, 148490
145128,145133,145141,147669,147671,147690,
147703,147706,147708,147717,147723,147727,
Blue Angels 8 Initial A-4Fs: 154176, 154177. 154179,
147736,147750,147754,147761,147768,147772,
154975. 154983, 154984, 154986,
147780,147782,147787,147793,147796,147798,
155029
147802, 147807, 147815, 147825, 147827, 147836,
10 Replacements: 154202, 154973,
147843, 148306, 148307, 148316, 148436, 148446,
155033. 155056. 154172. 154180.
148453, 148479, 148487, 148490, 148498, 148505,
154211.154217.154992,155000
148530, 148538, 148555. 148578, 148581. 148586,
TA-4J: 158722
148588,148600,148602.148611,149497.149500,
Temporary: 153667. 153477, 1581 07
149502. 149506, 149508. 149516, 149518, 149531,
149532, 149536, 149539, 149540. 149551, 149555,
149556,149569,149573,149579,149583,149591, Miscellaneous BuNos NA-4B 142837; NA-4C 145062/145063; NA-4E 148613/148614/150050;
149593, 149595. 149604, 149607, 149608, 149620, NA-4F 152101; YA-4F 150050; NTA-4F 152102,155049, NTA-4J 154332;
149623, 149626. 149630, 149633, 149635, 149640, NA-4M 155042, 155049.
149646, 150586, 150593, 150598
182 183
A-4 PRODUCTION HISTORY A-4 PRODUCTION HISTORY
184 185
A-4 SQUADRONS
APPENDIX IV
A-4 Squadrons
US Navy US Marine Corps
FLEET SQUADRONS RESERVE SQUADRONS COMPOSITE SQUADRONS REGULAR RESERVE SQUADRONS HEADQUARTER/MAINTENANCE
SQUADRONS/MALS
VA-12 Flying Ubangis VA-203 Blue Dolpins VC-l Unique Antiquers/Blue Ali VMA-112 Cowboys VMA-121 Green Knights
VA-15 Valions VA-204 Terci Pel os VC-2 Usus Ubiques/Blue Falcons VMA-113 VMA-124 Bantam Bombers H&MS-ll
VA-22 Fighting Redcocks VA-205 Green Falcons VC-5 Checkertails VMA-211 Wake Island Avengers VMA-131 Diamondbacks H&MS-12 Outlaws
VA-23 Black Knights VA-209 Air Barons VC-7 Tally-Hoers VMA-212 Devil Cats VMA-133 Dragons H&MS-13
VA-34 Blue Blasters VA-21 0 VC-B Fireballers VMA-214 Black Sheep VMA-134 Skyhawks H&MS-15 Angels
VA-36 Road Runners VA-303 Golden Hawks VC-l0 Proud Pelicans (at Gitmo) VMA-223 Bulldogs VMA-142 Flying Gators H&MS-24
VA-43 Challengers I-RAG VA-202 VC-12 Fighting Omars VMA-224 Bengals H&MS-31 Aggressors
VA-44 Hornets EC-RAG VA-304 Firebirds VC-13 Saints VMA-225 Vikings H&MS-32 Bulldogs
TRAINING SQUADRONS
VA-45 Blackbirds I-RAG VA-305 Lobos VMA-242 H&MS-33
VA-46 Clansmen VA-776 VMA-311 Tomcats VMTNMAT-l02 Hawks H&MS-37
ADVERSARY SQUADRONS VMA-322 Game Cocks VMTNMAT-l03 H&MS-42
VA-55 War Horses VA-B31
VA-56 Champions VA-B73 VF-43 Challengers VMA-324 Vagabonds VMTNMAT-203 H&MS-49
VA-64 Black Lancers VA-B76 VF-126 Fighting Sea hawks VMA-331 Bumblebees
VA-66 Waldomen VSF-76 Saints VF-127 Desert Bogies VMA-332
VA-72 Blue Hawks VSF-B6 Gators VFC-12 Fighting Omars VMA-343 disestablished before
VA-76 Fighting Spirits VFC-13 Saints converted to A-4
VA-Bl Sunliners VF-l01KW Grim Reapers VMA-533
ANTI-SUBMARINE FIGHTER VMA-543
VA-B3 Rampagers VF-171KW
SQUADRONS
VA-86 Sidewinders
VA-93 Blue Blazers VSF-l Warhawks
FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
VA-94 Mighty Shrikes VSF-3 Chessmen
TEAM
VA-95 Green Lizards
VA-l06 Gladiators 'Blue Angels'
TRAINING COMMAND
VA-112 Bombing Broncos
SQUADRONS
VA-113 Stingers
ELECTRONIC AGGRESSORS
VA-125 Rough Raiders WC RAG CNATRA Chief of Naval Training
VA-126 Bandits I-RAG VAQ-33 Firebirds
VA-l27 Royal Blues I-RAG TW-l (Training Wing One)
VA-133 Blue Knights VT-7 Eagles
OTHER
VA-134 Scorpions
VA-144 Roadrunners TW-2 (Training Wing Two) RVAH-3 Sea Dragons, Albany, GA
VA-146 Blue Diamonds VT-21 Fighting Redhawks
VA-152 Mavericks VT-22 Golden Eagles
RAW (RESERVE AIR WING)
VA-153 Blue Tail Flies VT-23 Professionals
VA-155 Silver Foxes RAW-67 NAS Atlanta, GA '7B'
VA-163 Saints TW-3 (Training Wing Three) RAW-70 NAS Dallas, TX '7D'
VA-164 Ghost Riders VT-24 Bobcats RAW-74 NAS Jacksonville, FL '6F'
VA-l72 Blue Bolts VT-25 Cougars RAW-81 NAS Minneapolis, MN '7E'
VA-192 Golden Dragons RAW-82 NAS New Orleans '7X'
VA-195 Dambusters TW-6 (Training Wing Six) RAW-87 NAS Alameda, CA '6G'
VA-212 Rampart Raiders VT-4
VA-216 Black Diamonds VT-86 Sabre Hawks
NAS Pensacola, T, '23X'
786 787
Notes ( aval Institute Pres, 1992). Lawson, R.L. (cd.), The /-liswry of us o<'al Air
Glossary VF avy fighter squadron Aero I D fuel tanks 3, 125
49. Ibid at PI'. 60-61. Power (The Military Press, 1985) VHF Very-High Frequency 150 gallon 34,39,42,50, 14
50. Smith, John T, Rolling Thunder: The Strategic Levinson, J., Alfa Strike Viernam, The a,'y's Air V avy anti-suhmarine squadron (aircraft) 300 gallon 34,37,39,45,50,127,129
I. Interview, Capt. Otto E. Krueger,
Bombing Campaign, onh Viernam, 1965- l\'lar, 196410 1973 (Presidio Press, 19 9)
AlA Air-to-Air
VT Navy training squadron (aircraft) 400 gallon 125,142
(Ret.), 4 October 1999. AAA Anti-Aircraft Artillery
1968, p. 2 3 (Air Research Group, 1994). Love, R.W., The /-liSW1)' of the US / avy: Vol. II 450 gallon rank 164
2. Hallion, Richard 1'., The / aval Air War in AFB Air Force Base
Korea, p. 20 I. 51. Letter, Vice-Admiral Paul Peck, U N (Ret.), 1942 - 1991 (Stackpole Books, 1992) D-704 refuelling pod 146
10 December 1999. Marolds, E.J., Carrier Operations: The Viel11am War.
AlG Air-ro-Ground
aircraft by type
3. Ibid AGM Air-to-Ground Missile
4. Douglas Aircraft Division, Hiswry of the 52. Levinson, at p. 51. (Bantam Books 19 7)
AIM Air Intercept Missile Index AD, AD-I Skyraider 11,13,14,36,3,41,46,
53. Levinson, at p. 2. Mersky, 1'.13. Pol mar, ., The aval l\'lar in 96, 110, 114, 117, 139
avy's Skyhatvks, p. 44, ( en'ice Infonnation ALE Airborne, countermeasures, dispensables
54. Cagle, Vice Admiral Malcom W. Task Force Viel11am (Kensington Books, 19 I) AJ-I avage 11,46
Summary Jan-Feb 1963), quoting from Rahn
Flight Log. 77 in Action Off Viel11am, p. 97.
Institute Proceeding" May 1972.
aval Mersky, 1'.13., U.S. Marine Corl>s A"iation, 19/210
the Prese," ( autical and Aviation Puhlishing,
APG
APN
A irborne, radar, guidance aid
A irborne, radar, navigational aid
A-4 by variant
XMD-I 12,17,25,28, °
A4D 15, 16, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
A-2/XAZD-1 Skyshark II, 56
A3D, A-3 Skywarrior 10,12,14,19,37,41,
5. Interview, Capt Otto E. Krueger, S
55. Kilduff, Peter. Douglas A-4 Sk)'hatvk, p. 104 1997)
APQ Airborne, radar, special purpose
46,51,56,64,114,115,118
(Ret.), 4 Octoher 1999. MD-I 27,28,29,30,31,34,35,36,37.3
6. Ibid (Osprey Air Comhat cries, 1983). lichols, j.B. & Barrett T, On Yankee Srati01]; The 64,1,105,157 A-5 Vigilante 114
1313 Battleship
7. Ibid 56. Ibid at p. 108-109. Naml Air l'(Iar over Viel11am (Navallnstiture Press, MD-2 26,34,37,42,45,50,64.81,105,107, A-6lntruder 57,65,89,114,115,129,135,
BDA Bomb Damage Assessment
8. Letter, Capt Walter E. Ohlrich, Jr., SN 57. Ibid at p. 109. 1987)
131 Board of Inspection and Surveys 156 139
(Ret.), 4 October 1999. 58. Interviews, Col. John Caldas, USMC (Ret.), Peacock, L., A-4 SkyllQwk (Osprey, 1987) A4D-2N 34,45,46,49,51,57,64,81 A-7 Corsair II 48, 51,62,64,65,6 , 72,89, 102,
BuAer Bureau of Aeronautics
9. Interview, Capt Otto E. Krueger, USN Aug-Sept 1999. McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Variants A4D-3 45,46,57 110,114,115,119,128,139,163
(Ret.),4 October 1999. 59 Ibid (Aviation ews, 1987)
CAG Commander, Air Group A4D-4 53, 56 A-IOWarthog 53
10. Ibid 60. Ibid Sharp, Adm USG., Strategy for Defea!: Viel11am in A4D-5 56,57,58 A-20 Havoc II
Capt. aptain
II. Ibid 61. Ibid Pers/>ective (Presidio Press, 1998) MD-5T 84 A-26 Invader II
Cdr. Commander
12. Ibid 62. Ibid Smith, JT., Rolling Thunder: The Strategic Bombing ClN PAC Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet A4D-6 58, 62, 65 AV-8B H,lITier 27,81,83,161,170
13. Ibid 63 Ibid Cam/JaigJl, Nonh Viel11am 1965-1968 (Air CINCLA T Commander in Chief, Atlantic A-4A 22, 73 13-47 II
14. Ibid 64. Skyhawk Association ewsletter, spring 1997. Research Publications, 1995) A-4AR 83,157,160,161 13- 52 tra tofortress I I, I 50
Fleet
15. Ibid Linebacker Raids (A ir Research Publications, 1999) Col. Colonel A-4B 26,40,42,43,44,49,82,98, 10 , 109, C-130 13
16. Ibid Ward, R., McDonnell Douglas A-4A/L Skyhawk in 114-116, 135, 147, 156, 157, 159, 160, D-55 -I kystreak 12
CVA Aircraft carrier, attack
17. Chinnery, Philip D. FilII Throltle, p. II t. US -US Marine Corps-Royal Australian avy ircraft carrier, battle 165, 170, 172 D-55 -2 Skyrocket 12
CVB
Martin's Paperback, 1988. Royal etv Zealand Air Force Service (Arco A-4C 41,46,4,51,55,56,64,66,72, 3, DT-I 10
I. Ibid ;H p. I 19.
Bibliography Publishing, 1971)
CVG
CVL
Carrier Air Group
A ircraft carrier, light 10,113,116, II ,125,12 ,132-135, E-2 Hawkeye 71
19. Interview, Capt Otto E. Krueger, SN Wilcox, R.K., Scream of Eagles (Pocket Books, 1990) 140-142,147,151,157,159,160,171,173 EA-4F 93,96-98
CV Aircraft carrier, anti-submarine
(Ret.), 4 October 1999. CV G Aircraft carrier, anti-submarine Air A-4E 51,56-5,64-66,6,70,81, 4, 5, EA -6A Intruder I I, 96
Books 100-105,10 ,114,116,123,125,126, EA-6B Prowler II. 9
20. Letter, Capt Thomas Mariner, U N (Ret.), Group
Ocroher 1999. Berry, Fe., Strike Aircraf!: The I1hlSlrated HislOry of Government Publications CVW Carrier Air Wing 129-131,133,134,13 ,140-142,144, ERA-3B 96
2 I. Interview, Capt Bob Arnold, (Ret.), II the Viel11am War (Bantam Books, 19 ) 14 ,151,151,156,163,164-166,173,174 E -3A hadow 12
Ocroher 1999. Burden, R A. et aI., Falklands: The Air War (British S avy NATOI' Manuals, A-4C/L, A-4E/F, A- ECM Electronic Counter Mea ures A-4F 1,51,57,62,64-68,70-72,74, 2, 3, F2 H Banshee I I
22. Interview, Vice Admiral Anthony A. Less, A viation Research Group, 19 6) 4M, TA-4FIJ 6,93,94, 10 102, 10 , 113, 114. 116, F3D Skyknight II
5 Ocrober 1999. Clancy, T, Carrier: A Guided Tour of an Aircraft S Navy Training Manuals, A4D-I, A4D-2, A4D- HM Her Majesty' hip 125,134,140,144,145,156,157,161, F3H Demon I
23. Ibid Carrier (Berkeley Books, 199 ) 2N HUD Head- I' Display 163,165,168,171 F-4 Phantom 1\ 12,41,67,6, 9, 110, 114,
24. Ibid Dorr, R.F, Air War /-Ianoi (Blandford Press, 19 ) A-4G 161,163 115,119,125,131,133,150,16
25. Ibid Dorr, R.F & Bishop, e., Viel11am Air W/ar Debrief IFF Identify, Friend or Foe A-4H 165, 16 F4D-1 Skyray 9, 15, 19,43
26. Ibid (Aerospace Publications, 1996) Magazines A-4K 167, 16 , 170 F4U Corsair 10, I I, 1
27. Kilduff, Perer, Douglas A-4 Skyhatvk, p. 39 Dorr, R.F. & Ketchcll, R.D., Wings of Gold: Eaming LDGP Low- Drag General Purpose Bomb A-4KU 1,162-164 Fj-4 Fury 19,25,5,65,100
(Osprey A ir Combat Serie", 1983) (quoted YOllrus avy Wings (Mororhooks, 1992) Air Combm Laser-Guided Bomb A-4L 64,71-73,81,100,173,174 F-5E Tiger II 101,168,169
LGB
with permission of Osprey Press). Drendel, L., A-4 Skyhatvk In Action (Squadron/Signal Air Enlhusiast A-4M 12, I ,27, 30, 58, 72, 75-78,80- 4,92, F-8 Crusader 12,15,41,44,71,110,114,116,
Lt. Lieutenant
2. Nichols, John B. and Barett Tillman. On Publications, 1973) Air Fan Lr. Cdr Lieutenant Commander 94,101,102,125,160,161,16 ,173-75 117,119,122,129,131-133,13 ,140,175
Yankee StOlion: The No<'ai Air War Over Air War over Southeasl Asia, Vol. I (Squadron/ Air Forces Monthly Lr. Col. Lieutenant Colonel A-4N 164-66 F9F Panther/Cougar 11, 14, 16, 17, 36, 81
Viel11am, p. 3, (Naval Institute Press, 1992). Signal Publications, 1982) Air Inlemotional Lt(jg) Lieutenant (junior grade) A-4P 156, 157 F-14 Tomcat 69,71,89,102
29. Foster, Capt Wynn F. Ca/nain /-look, p. 39 Foster, Capt W. F., Calrrain /-look: A Pilot's Tragedy Air/Jower A-4PTM 173 F-15 Eagle 63, 100
(Naval Institute Press, 1992). and Trium/Jh in the Viel11am War ( II', 1992) Air Progress A-4Q 157-160 F-16N Falcon 71,102,168-170,175
Mk Mark
30. United Srates Naval Operations, Highlights, Francillon, R., Tonhin Gi<lf Yaclll Club: U.S. Carrier Avimion Week Space Technology A-4S 91,170 F-84F Thunderstreak 30
Fehruary 1966, p. 3. Operarions Off Viel11am (Naval Institute Press, Combat Aircraft A-4-SI 172 F-86 Sabre 14, 26, 106, 156
N Newton. equal to 0.225 Ibs. of force
31. New York Times, 8 April 1971. 1988) The Hook AF Naval Air Facility A-4SU 172 F/A-18 Hornet 27,49,63,70,81,89,100,
32. Levinson, Jeffrey L., AI{rha Strike Viel11am,The McDonnell DOllglas Aircraft Since 1920, Vol. I Jane's Defence Weekly aval Air ration A-4Y 2 103, 164, 168, 170
A
McDonnell DOtlglas SI>jril CA-4E 156 F-20 170
Na"y'.1 Air War, 1'.75 (Presidio Press, 1989). ( aval Institute Press, 1998). NFO aval Flight Officer
33. Interview, Capt Boh Arnold, U N (Ret.), II Francillon, R., Lewis, 1'.13. Dunn J., EleClronic laval A,'iOlion News NVA orh Vietnamese regular Army CA-4F 156 F-104 165
Ocroher 1999. Wizards (Osprey, 1991) (Ivai Review DA-IOI 156 F-III 168
34. Levimon, at p. 80. Gann, H., The D(Jllglas A-4 kyhatvk (Profile a,'Y Times RAdm Rear Admiral OA-4M I, 93-96, 160, 163, 164 G-91 53
35. Ibid at p. 71 Publications, 1966) The Proceedings RHAW Radar Homing And Warning System TA-4 40, 9 Hawk Mk 20 173
36. Interview, Capt. Otto E. Krueger, US Grossnick, R.A., A DiCllonary of American aval Replica in Scale RWR Radar Warning Receiver TA-4A 45,64 Hunter 171
(Ret.), 4 Ocroher 1999. A"imion Squadrons, Vol. I: The 1-/ is wry of VA, Skyhatvk AssociOlion ewslwer TA-4AR 161 11-2 Beagle 107, 10
37. Interview, Capt Bob Arnold, US (Ret.), II VAI-/, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA quadrons Wings of Fame TA-4B 45,64 KA-3 119,120
AM urface-to-Air Missile
Ocmber 1999. ( aval Historical Center, 1995) Wings of Gold TA-4E 67, 4, 6,90,93,101,156 KA-6D Intruder 41,119
SUU uspension Underwing Unit
3. Interview, Capt. Otto E. Krueger, U Hall, G., To/rgJm (Motorhoob, 19 7) World Air Power JOllmal TA-4F 70, ,1,85- ,90,93,94,96,10 KC-I 5
(Ret.), 4 Octoher 1999. Hallion, R.P., The ami Air l\'lar in Korea (Nautical TACA TACtical Aid to avigation I 16, 146, I 50, 151, 156, 161 KC-I 30 tratoranker 146
39. United tates aval Operations, Highlight" & Aviation Publishing, 19 6) TA-4G 161,163 Mirage 16
January 1966, p. I . /-Iastings, M. & Jenkins, S., Ti,e Bailie for the Interviews UHF Itra-High Frequency TA-4H 165,166,173 MiG-IS Fagot 11,14
4. Ibid at p. II Falklands (W.W. Norton, 19 3) USAF United States Air Force TA-4J 1,70,74, 4, 7,89,91,92,94,95, MiG-1770, 103, 106, 166
Capt Bob Arnold, 97-102, 165, 173, 175
41. etv York Times, April 1971. Heinemann, Ed, Combat ircraft DesigJler ( aval USMC nited States Marine Corps MiG-19 Farmer 16,166
Col John J. Caldas, U TA-4K 167,16
42. Interview, Capt Bob Arnold, U (Ret.), II In titute Press, 19 ) Capt Ono E. Krueger, S Ret US nited tates Ship -156 53
Ocmber 1999. Hoyt, E.P., The Carrier Wars: ami Aviation From US nited States avy TA-4K 164 C-I 2 I K Constellation 96
Vice-Adm Anthony L. Les , US 1 Ret TA-4PTM 173,174
43. Ibid \XIWII 10 the Persian Gllif War (Paragon House, Capt W~lter Olhrich, US Ret
PBM (Martin) 10
44. Ibid 1989) VA avy attack squadron (aircrafr) TA-4S 170,171 P-3K Orion 169
Rear-Adm Paul Peck, USN Ret
45. Ibid Kilduff, 1'., Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Osprey, 19 3) VAdm Vice Admiral TA-4SU 171 1'-704 173
46. Ibid Kinzey, B., The A-4 Skyhawk in Derail & Scale, Vol. V Q avy electron ic warfare squadron TCA-4F 156 RA-3 133
47. Letter, Harrison 13. Southworth, 10 December 32 (Squadron/Signal Publications, 19 8). (aircraft) YA-4E 57 RA-5C 114,115,137
Videos AF-I 174
1999. Kinzey, B. & Leader, R., Colorful U.S. Navy VAW Navy airborne warning squadron RF-8A 55,121,133,137
48. Foster, Capt Wynn F. Ca{rrain /-look, p. 168 Skyhawks, Vol. 18 (Airlife Publishing, 1990) The A-4 Skyha,vk Swry, Discovery Channel. (aircraft) AF-IA 174 SBD Dauntless 10
788 789
._~
INDEX I'DEX
T-2 Buckeye 69 AN/ARA-25 direcrion finder 32, 36 KB-IOA srill picrurc 66,67 DEFA cannon 164, 165 Road I~ecce 135, 136 pcrsonaliric"
T-45 Goshawk 89,99 AN/APX-46 IFF 165 LB-18/A camcra pod 36 HiPcg 14 Sleel Tiger 117,135,138 Alvarez, Everc[[ J. 133
TA-7C 96 AN/APX-6B IFF 32, 36 canrcd rcfuelling prohc 94 Mk436,125 TARCAP 119, 142 Arnold, Boh 129
TBD Devastator AN/APX-72 IFF 168 Carricr Air Groups (CVG) Mk II 36,45, 144 missilcs Arthur, Stanley R. 89
TF-9 Cougar 54,89,94, 151 AN/ARN-12 36,42 CVG-9 114 Mk 12 36,45, 105 air~to~Clir Boyingrnn, Greg 81
S- 3 Viking 89 A /AP -141 radar alrimcrcr 49 CVG-IO 107 SUU-23 172 AIM-9 36,44,50,58,100,101,109,123, Caldas, John 146, 147, 149, IS0, 152
Sca Harricr 159 AN/ASQ-17IEP 32,47 CVSG-53 44 157,163,168,170,171,174 Chcssman, Sam 120
aircrafr carricrs (US) AN/ASN-19A dcad-rcckoning 38 CVSG-55 147 Haiphong 111,120,125,132,133,138-140,145 air~to~gn)und Compton, Bryan \XI. 142
America (CV 66) I 14 A /APN-153(V) 57 CVSG-57 146 Hanoi S0, II I, 116, 120, 125, 13 -140, 142 AGM-12 Bullpup 39,50,56,64,110, III, DaCosta, john 161
Bennington (CVS-20) 39, 10 A /ARA-50 dirccrion findcr 66 VSG-60 39 Head-Up-Display (HUD) 30, 2 125, 137, 139, 140, 14 Dickson, E. A. 134
Bon Homme Richard (CV 31) 57,10,110, A /ARA-63 IL 66 Carrier Air \XIing" (CV\XIs) Ellior 82,165,166 AG 1-45 Shrike 36,49, 125, 130, 131, Esrocin, Mikc 132
115,134, 140, 144 ARB 82,94,161,164 CV\XI-I 48,110,114,12 Fcrranti 45 I 169, 170 13 -141, 14 ,164 Firch, H. \XI. 62
Cl!115lellation (CV 64) 114, 119, 132, 133, 135, A /ARR-69 aux. receiver 66 CV\XI-2 65, 114 GEC larc<lI1i 41 SO 172 AGM-62 \XIalleyc 56,64, 119, 125, 140, Fosrer, \XIynn F. 116,135
139, 145 A /ASN-41 navigarion compurcr 66 CV\XI-5 57, 10 Scxrant mart 161 142, 164 Heinemann, Ed 11,12,14-17,22,25,29,30,
Coral Sea (CV43) 110,116,121,134,135, Conrrol srick!> 63 CV\XI-7 129 HoChi Minh Trail 120,133,135,136,138,145, AGlvl-65 Maverick 36, 76, 82, 161, 164, 37,65
13 ,144,145 Fcrranrill -D-IIOlsighr 171 CV\XI- III 151 170, 172 Hollo\\'ay, Jamcs L. 105
Enrerprise (CVN 65) 31,41,90,107,110, GEC Avionic Arlanric FUR 172 CV\XI-9 114-16 hor refuel 40 AGM-78 Standard 36, 125, 132 joncs, Kcn 129
113-116, 119, 132, 137, 138, 142 HOTAS 63,161,170 CV\XI-IO 39,108,126 AGM-88 HARM 49 Klusman, Charlcs F. 133
Essex-class 10,67, 122, 144 LN-93 lascr INS 172 CV\XI-I I 28, I I , 121 Indoncsia 173 surfacc-ro-air 107,129,139,142,144,145,160 Kruegcr, Otto E. 9, 35, 36,46,49, 120, 124,
Essex (CV 9) 31,39,43, 56,86, 104-08, 110 Mk 9 ross bomb sysrcm 57 CV\XI-14 114, 119 Israel 165 SA-2 39,116,121,125,131,138,157 125,137,138
Forreswl (CV 59) 56, 108 CV\XI-16 116,117,129,138 Hel'l Ha' Avi" 165 SA-7 165 Lcss, Anrhony A. 67, 68, 70
Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42) 32,48, 106, 110, Bay of Pigs 31, 107 CV\XI-19 67, 132 squadrons su,-facc-ro-su rfacc Leuc, David 135
12 Bicn Hoa 104, 151 CV\XI-21 114 o. 102 164 Exoccr 96 Lcv, am 114
Hancock (CV 19) 50,67,71,93,106,10, BI 27 CV\XIR-20 73 Silkworm 96 McCain, John S. 116
110, III, 113, 114, 134, 139, 140, 143-145 Bille Angels 1,67,69,70,97 Car Bi 120 jammer poc)", ECM cquipmcnt S-4 Sandal 107 McDonald, David 139
Homer (CV,-12) 39,123,146 homhs China Lakc \XIC 76 ALR-39 17 S-5 kan I 7 Mc amara, Robcrt S. 133, 134
Inde/Jendence ( V 62) 104,107,125,12,129 c1usrcr bomb unlr 123, 131 Chu Lai 30, 50,93,104,143-147, ISO, 151 ALR-66 R\XIR 170 Mongoosc 7, 72 Mariner, Thom,,, 54
/nrre/Jid (CV,-II) 39,43,10,110,114,116, CB -59 APAM 36 conrrol srick!> 63 ALR-93V( I) R\XIR 161 Mulriplc Ejccrion Rack!> (MER) 124, 12 , 135 ichols, john 10, I 31
119,123,126,135,144 CB -59/B 7, 164 crankcd prohe 2 A /ALE-29A chaff unir 66, 131 ohle, John D. 146
John F. Kennedy (CV 67) 5 I, 73 CB -72 FAE 36 Cuhan Missile Cri"is 31, I 7, I A /ALQ-167 1,9 NAF EI Ccnrro 43, 100 Ourla\\', Ed\\'ard C. 121
Peck, Paul 132
Kearsage (CVS-33) 39,44,10,133
Kitt)'Hawk(CV63) 110,115,117, 11,121,
133, 138, 140
Mk °
Mk 20 36, 123, 14
serics 5, 123, 126
Mk 80 56,64
D-704 refuclling store 36,37,41,45
Da ang 93,104,145-147,151
A /ALQ-IOOECM 65
AN/ALQ-5IA ECM 131
AN/ALQ-81 131
AVPAC
A /ARN-14E 36,42
Naval Fighrcr \XIeapons School 96, 100
Rahn, BohO. 12,21,25,26,27,83
Rccdy, J. R. 138
LexinglOn (CVS-16) 40,89,90, 106 Mk 81 36, 50,123,128,148 Dixie Srarion 104, III, 112, 116, 117, 119,124, AN/APR-23 131 Naval Air S[<lrion (NA5) Ricc, K. P. 62
Midway-class 10 Mk 82 34, 36, 50,93, 119, 123, 129, 133, 138 AN/APR-25 RHA\XI 131 Bccvillc 89 Robcrgc, Francis D. 125
Midway (CV 41) 65,100,106, III, 116, 125, 148, 158, 164 drag chure 51,77,82,171,174 A /APR-27 131 Cecil Field 45, 50, 168 Schwarz, Thcodorc R. 140
135,138,141,146 Mk 83 34, 36, S0, 93, 104, 105, 123, 143, Douglas Aircrafr Company 10 AN/APS-107 RHA\XI 131 Corpus Chrisri 89 Smirh, Homcr 140, 142
Oriskany (CV 34) 105,110, III, 116, 117, 148, 149 AN/A T-4 96, 9 Cuhi Poinr 63,94 Smirh, John T. 132
119,127,129,136,142 Mk 4 34,36, S0, 123, 125, 139, 14 ejection seats Elra chaff sysrem 166 Fallon 67, 4 Smirh, \XIalrcr 168
Randolph (CVA-15) 56, I 7,109 mulri-carriagc homh rack 62 Escapac Projecr Shoe Hom 66, 123, 131 Key \XIc"r 68 ourh\\'<lrrh, Harrison B. 129
Ranger(CV61) 41, 11,114,115,124,130, napalm Mk 77 123, 152 I 18,35,157 UU-4 /A Flare pod 172 Kingsville 9,9 Stockdalc, Jamcs B. 13
131,133,134,139,144 nakeye 124, 131, 135, 149, IS0, 152, 164 lA-I 57 Lemoore 54, 64, 7, 93, 161 PK- 3 pararafr 36
Saratoga (CV 60) 41,56,104,107 spccial wcapons 16 IG I Kcp airfields III, II ,119,120,140 Meridian 9
Shangri-La (CV 3) 9,28,51,106,107, II B-43 36 AMC Type II Khe anh 144,149,150,151 Miramar 72,94 Quan Lang 120
III B-57 36 engines Kuwair 163, 164 Moffir Field 8
Ticonderoga (CVA 14) 27,36,67,110,114, B-61 36 Anmtrong Siddeley Sapphire Free Kuwair Air Forcc 164 Oceana 51 radar
120, 132, 133, 13 , 139 Mk 8 34 GE F404-GE-IOOD 172 Patuxcnt Rivcr 19,27,82 AN/APG-53 46,47,48,49,73,82
Unired Slates (CVA 58) II Mk 9 57 GEj79 156 Lascr Spor Trackcr (LST) 78 Pcnsacola 89 AN/APG-53A 48
Valley Forge (CVA 45) 14 MkI217,34,66 J52 45 LAU-7 launch rail 36 Rooscvclr Roads 71, 94, 98 AN/APG-53B 47
\'(/as/J (CV-18) 56,105 Mk 91 34 J52-P-6 57,94 Lchanon Crisis 56, 104, 106 cw Zealand 166 APG-66 161,168,170
Yorktown (CVS-IO) 39,110,123,147 Boguc Field 77 J52-P-408 67,69,72,75,82,96, 164, 174 Lighr \XIcighr Laser (L\XIL) 93 Royal Air Forcc (RNZAF) 166 ARG-I 160
AirResearch Company 22, 25 Brazil 174 J52-P-8A 86,93,94, 156 sqllaJron~ TPQ-IO 147,149,150
alpha strikes 117,119,120,122,129,132,137, ships J65-\XI-2 16, 17,22 Malaysia 173 o. 75 167 radios
13 , 140 Minas Gerais 175 J65-\XI-4B 2 Tentra Udara Diraja 173 A /AR -21 TACA
Anri-Aircrafr Artillcry (AAA) 65,116,120,125, squadrons J65-\XI-16A 47,157,171 "quadrom Orcration~ A /ARC-27A HF 32,35, 36,47
131,13 ,139,142,145, ISO, 16 VFA-I 174 j65-\XI-1 3 No.6 174 Air Lighr I50 A /ARCI54 UHF 174
Argenrina 156 VT-7 174 J65-\XI-20 50,157,171 0.9 174 Barrel Roll 117, 133, 135 ARC-5IA UHF 66
Comando dc Aviacion aval Brirish ships Rolls-Royce RB 16 5pey 156 Marine Air Group" (MAG) Blue Bar 31,104 ARC-114/-114A VHF/FM 82,94
Argcnrina 157-159 HMS Anlelope IS TF-3 65 MAG-3 3 Blue Tree 134, 144 ARC-159(V) UHF 2,94
Fucrza Aerea Argenrina 156 HMS Ardenr IS cxrernal power unir, RCPP-I OS 34 MAG-II 145,151 Desen SlOnn 164 AR -52(V) TACA 57,66
ships HMS Argonaw 158 MAG-12 145,146, ISO, 151 Dewey Canyon I 5I AR -118(V)TACA 82,174
ARA General Belgrano 157 HMS Ark Royal 31 Falklands \XIar 157 MAG-13 151 Endswee/J I I 3 Julicr 28 49
Veinrrino De Mayo I57 HMS Avenger 159 Flccr Readincss Squadrons (FRS) see also MAG-16 145 Flaming Dan I34 KY-28 94
A Shau Val Icy 151 HMS Brillianr 157 RAG 27,31,54 MAG-36 145 Freedom Train I I3 RAG 31,54,93,101,102
Australia 161 HMS Broadsword 159 flighr rcsr programmc 26 MAG-42 83 Lam Son 7 I9 145, 151 RATO/JATO 30, S0, 59,145,146
ships IIMS Covenrry 158, 159 folding-wing A-4 33 Marinc Corps Air Srations (MCA Linebacker I I I, 128, 144 Rcservc Air \XI ing 64
HMA Melhollme 161, 163 HMS Exeter IS Forward Air Conrrollcr (FAC) 1,84, 8,95, Beaufort 107 Niagara I SO RA\XI-67 64
HMAS Sydney 163 HMS Glasgow 157 117,149-151 Cherry Point 5 I, 95, 96, 107 O/J LA -34-A 132, 133 RA \XI-70 64
squadrons HMS Hennes 157 France EI Toro 66,96 Op Plan 3/2 107 RA \XI-74 64
724 squadron 161, 163 HM Invincible 157,159 ships Iwakuni 96, 152 Pierce ATrOW 132-134 RA \XI- I 64
OS squadron 163 HMS Majeslic 161 Foch 175 Kancohe Bay 10 Piranila 147 RA\XI- 2 64
VC-724 163 HM Venerable 157 Cfemenceall I75 Yuma 44, 164 Prolid Deep AI/Jha 145 RA \XI- 7 64
VF-' 5 161,163 HM Vengeance 175 Marine VMA carrier deployment" 53 Rolling Hlinder 111,116,119,134,142 rockcr"
avionics RFA Sir Galahad 159 Gia Lam 120 missions Star/ite 146 Aern6D 34,123
AAU-19 counrcr-drum airspced V<lriarion 49 RFA Sir Trislram 159 Gulf of Tonkin 132-134, 138, 145 Close Air SlIPlJOn 159 Za/Jata 107 FFAR 123
AJB-3 LABS 32,45,49,57 guns and gun pods Iron Hand 64,110,119-23,125,129-132, HVAR 149
AIMS rranspondcr 66 cameras Adcn cannon 171 138, 142 Paul Doumcr Bridgc 120 LAU-1036,136
ALQ-45(V) homing warning sysrcm 65 DBM-4A 16mm motion picture 66 Colr Mk 12 16, 33, 36, 171 nuclcar mission 35 Phuc Ycn III, 120 LAU-61 36,123
190 191
INDEX
792