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A-4 Skyhawk
Photo Gallery
The Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk is a lightweight, single engine attack aircraft.
The mission of an A-4 attack squadron is to attack and to destroy surface
targets in support of the landing force commander, escort helicopters, and
conduct other operations as directed. Developed in the early 1950s, the A-4
Skyhawk was originally designated the A-4D as a lightweight, daylight only
nuclear capable strike aircraft for use in large numbers from aircraft carriers.
There are numerous models of the A-4 in use. The A-4M and the TA-4F are
currently used by Marine Corps Reserve squadrons. All models have two internally
mounted 20mm (.8 inch) cannons, and are capable of delivering conventional and
nuclear weapons under day and night visual meteorological conditions. The A-4M
uses a heads-up display and computer aided delivery of its bomb load with the
angle rate bombing system. The Marine Reserve has two squadrons of A-4s with 12
aircraft each. Additionally, each squadron has two TA-4 aircraft.
Technical Specifications
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| Summary: |
Cantilever Low Wing Monoplane, with 33 degree swept back wings
Single seat, high performance, light attack and ground support aircraft
Outstanding low speed control and stability during takeoff and landing
Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in
Length (excluding IFR Probe): 40 ft 3-1/4 in
Height: 15 ft
Deliveries began in November 1962
765 A-4 aircraft worldwide.
Pound for pound, the A-4 aircraft is one of the most effective and
versatile light attack aircraft produced.
The Skyhawk is 34 years old; yet export models are still highly regarded
and undergoing modern avionics, weapons, and engine upgrades to maintain
their flying prowess into the next century.
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| Contractor: |
McDonnell Douglas |
| Power Plant: |
Single, Pratt & Whitney, J-52-P-408A non-afterburning, turbojet engine
that develops 11,220 pounds of thrust
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| Accommodations: |
One pilot |
| Performance: |
Maximum speed: 586 knots (with a 4,000 pound bomb load)
Initial climb rate: 8,440 ft/min
Maximum ferry range: 2,000 nautical miles
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| Countermeasures: |
Not applicable |
| Armament: |
Mounts two 20 mm guns internal to the wing structure
Has one fuselage and four wing racks and carries a variety of external
stores.
May be provisioned for Sidewinder, Shrike, and Walleye missiles and
1,000 pound bombs.
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| Mission and
Capabilities: |
Maximum takeoff weight: 24,500 pounds
Six "G" load maximum
Fuel capacity of both wing and fuselage internal and three external
tanks: 1,800 U.S. gallons
Typical dry weight: 10,465 pounds
Primary avionics systems include: UHF-ARC-159, VHF-ARC-114, RAD/ALT-APN-194,
TACAN-ARN-118, ILS/VOR-ARA-63/ARN-14, CHAFF-ALE-39, IFF-APX-72,
RADAR-APG-53-A, Secure Comm-KY28/58, AN/ALQ-126, Countermeasures AN/ALQ-162,
HUD AN/AVQ-24 and Navigational Computer AN/ASN-41.
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External Dimensions
| Wing span |
8.38m |
| Wing span over missiles |
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| Wing chord at root |
4.72m |
| Wing chord at tip |
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| Wing aspect ratio |
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| Width, wings folded |
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| Length overall |
12.29m |
| Height overall |
4.57m |
| Tailplane span |
3.45m |
| Distance between fin tips |
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| Wheel track |
2.37m |
| Wheelbase |
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Areas
| Wings, gross |
24.16m2 |
| Ailerons (total) |
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| Leading-edge flaps (total) |
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| Trailing-edge flaps (total) |
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| Vert Tail Services (total) |
4.65m2 |
| Horz Tail Services (total) |
4.54m2 |
| Tailerons (total) |
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Weights and Loadings
| Weight empty |
4,899kg |
| Maximum fuel weight |
- Internal (JP5)
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- External: (JP5)
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| Maximum external stores load |
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| Take off weight (normal) |
11,113kg |
- Fighter mission
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- Attack mission
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- Maximum
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| Maximum wing loading (attack mission) |
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Performance (At Maximum
Takeoff Weight)
| Max level speed |
561 knots |
| Max speed, intermediate power |
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| Approach speed |
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Acceleration from 460 knots to 920 knots
at 10,670 m |
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| Combat ceiling |
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| T-O run @ 23,000lbs take-off weight |
832m |
| Minimum wind over deck: |
- Launching
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- Recovery
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| Combat radius, interdiction, hi-lo-lo-hi |
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Combat endurance, CAP 150 nm
from aircraft carrier |
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| Ferry range, unrefueled |
1,740nm |
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