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1994-09-26
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Since it was to be based on aircraft carriers, the A-4 Skyhawk was designed
to carry maximum weight load for the minimum weight and size. Designed
by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the A-4 first flew in 1954. The aircraft
weighted four tons empty, but it could carry three tons of weapons, including
nuclear bombs. In production for an incredible quarter of a century, a total of
2,960 Skyhawks rolled off the Douglas assembly line before production
ceased.
In August 1964, when American destroyers were attacked by North Vietna-
mese patrol boats, A-4s were among the first American aircraft to participate
in the counterstrike. Skyhawks continued to play an improtant role as part
of the U.S. Navy strike force throughout the duration of the war against North
Vietnam.
Still in service today with U.S. Marine attack squadrons, the Skyhawk re-
mains a tireles, heavy-hitting war bird. Equipped with a 20 millimeter can-
non and AIM-9 Sidewinders for air defense, the A-4 can also carry a variety
of air-to-ground munitions as part of its three-ton load. These include "iron"
bombs, radar-guided "smart" bombs, AGM-62 Walleye television-guided
missiles, and AGM-65 Mavericks. It also carries launchers for unguided
2.75-inch rockets. A-4s can refuel on another in flight.
After seeing nearly a decade of combat in Vietnam, the A-4 continued in U.S.
Navy service until 1987, during which time Skyhawks were assigned to be
used by the Navy's world-renowned Blue Angels.
In almost any other context, it would be hard to imagine an attack plane being
part of an aerobatic team like the Blue Angels. However, because of the Sky-
hawk's stunning maneuverability, there is little to wonder about; it is easy to
picture how and why these remarkable little planes have been so effective for
so many air services for so many years.