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A-4C Skyhawk
Statistics for A-4C Skyhawk
type
Carrier-based Attack Aircraft
bureau number
149623
nmna id
2005.068.001
manufacturer
Douglas
powerplant
1 Pratt & Whitney J527P8A turbojet, 9,300 lbf (10,000+ USMC A74M and OA74M) (41 kN)
maximum speed
585 knots (673 mph, 1,077 km/h)
climb rate
8,440 ft/min (43 m/s)
range
1,700 nm (2,000 mi, 3,220 km)
service ceiling
42,250 ft (12,880 m)
Armament
2× 20 mm (0.787 in) Colt Mk 12 cannon, 100 rounds/gun 4 AIM79 Sidewinder missiles
weights
Empty 10,450 lb (4,750 kg) Loaded 18,300 lb (8,318 kg) Max Takeoff 24,500 lb (11,136 kg)
dimensions
Length 40 ft 3 in (12.22 m) Wingspan 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m) Height 14 ft 11 in (4.57 m) Wing Area 259 sq ft (24.15 m2)
Delivered in 1956, the A-4 Skyhawk answered the Navy's call for an attack aircraft that could be carrier based in the maturing jet age. Designed with minimal size and weight in mind, the A-4 was so compact and storage friendly there was no need for folding wings. It would stay in service until final retirement in 1975. Launched from American aircraft carriers in Southeast Asia, the A-4 was the Navy's primary light bomber in the early years of the Vietnam War, striking enemy targets in the north. Many skilled and heroic pilots sat at the controls of the A-4 with more than a few of them fondly recalling Skyhawk as one of the greatest attack aircraft ever built.
Our Skyhawk is currently under refurbishment.
