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| Description | |||
| Manufacturer: | McDonnell-Douglas | ||
| Designation: | TA-4 | ||
| Version: | J | ||
| Nickname: | Skyhawk, Scooter, Hot Rod | ||
| Equivalent to: | |||
| Type: | Attack/Fighter-Trainer | ||
| Specifications | |||
| Length: | 43' | ||
| Height: | 15' | ||
| Wingspan: | 27' 6" | ||
| Crew | 2 | ||
| Armament | two 20mm cannons | ||
| Payload: | 8200 lbs | Kg | |
| Max Weight | 27,000 lbs | ||
| Propulsion | |||
| No. of Engines: | 1 | ||
| Powerplant: | Pratt Whitney JS2-P-8 | ||
| Thrust (each): | 9300 lbs | ||
| Performance | |||
| Range: | miles | Km | |
| Cruise Speed: | mph | Km/H | |
| Max Speed: | 675 Mph | ||
| Climb: | Ft/min | ||
| Ceiling: | Ft | ||
This aircraft was built primarily as an advanced pilot trainer for the U.S. Navy. Its earlier single seat cousins the "B, C, E, & F" model's, were used extensively in the Vietnam War along with the U.S. Marines "M" model. The Skyhawk saw many different roles in the US military and foreign countries as well. Nearly 3,000 were built. As an "Agressor" the A-4 pilots would train F-18 and F-14 pilots air combat techniques and also play adversary with Air Force bombers, and foreign Air Forces as well. With a 720 degree per second roll rate, the A-4 "Scooter" could "roll over" and get a clear shot from behind before the larger fighter could see him. This aircraft was one of the last active Skyhawks in service. Her last flight was April 24th, 2003, flying from NAS Roosevelt Roads,VC-8, Puerto Rico, to March Field Air Museum. Below are photos taken by Roger Messick on the day she flew in.
A-4 on last flight above March ARB before landing
A-4's last flight crew
A-4 in front of the March ARB control tower
The museum's TA-4J Skyhawk, BUNO 154342, served the U.S. Navy from 1967-2003
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Navy Pensacola.
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