| A-4 (A4D) Skyhawk | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A U.S. Navy A-4E Skyhawk of VA-164, fromUSS Oriskany, en route to attack a target inNorth Vietnam, 21 November 1967 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Attack aircraft,fighter,aggressor aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company McDonnell Douglas |
| Status | In limited service with non-U.S. users |
| Primary users | United States Navy(historical) |
| Number built | 2,960 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1954–1979 |
| Introduction date | 1 October 1956; 68 years ago (1956-10-01) |
| First flight | 22 June 1954; 70 years ago (1954-06-22) |
| Retired | USMC (1998),U.S. Navy (2003) Israeli Air Force (2015) Royal New Zealand Air Force (2001) |
| Variants | Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk |
TheDouglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seatsubsoniccarrier-capable lightattack aircraft designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturerDouglas Aircraft Company, and later,McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designatedA4D under theUnited States Navy'spre-1962 designation system.
The Skyhawk was developed during the early 1950s on behalf of the Navy andUnited States Marine Corps as a replacement for the propeller-drivenDouglas A-1 (AD) Skyraider. The A-4 is a compact, straightforward, and lightweight aircraft for the era; itsmaximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds (11,100 kg) was roughly half of the Navy's weight specification. The Skyhawk has a short-spandelta wing configuration, atricycle undercarriage, and is powered by a singleturbojet engine. The U.S. Navy issued a contract for the aircraft on 12 June 1952. On 22 June 1954, the XA4D-1 prototype performed itsmaiden flight; it went on to set a world speed record of 695.163 mph on 15 October 1955.[1] On 1 October 1956, the Skyhawk was introduced to operational service.
The Skyhawk's fivehardpoints can carry a variety of missiles, bombs, and other munitions. It can carry a bomb load equivalent to that of the World War II-eraBoeing B-17 bomber, and can deliver nuclear weapons using a low-altitude bombing system and a"loft" delivery technique. It pioneered the concept of"buddy" air-to-air refueling, which reduces the need for dedicatedaerial tankers. The Skyhawk was originally powered by theWright J65turbojet engine; from the A-4E onwards, thePratt & Whitney J52 engine was used instead. By the time production ended in February 1979, a total of 2,960 had been built for a variety of operators, including 555 as two-seattrainers.
The Skyhawk saw combat in several conflicts. The Navy operated the type as its principal light attack aircraft during theVietnam War, carrying out some of thefirst U.S. air strikes of the conflict. The Skyhawk was theIsraeli Air Force's main ground attack aircraft during theWar of Attrition and theYom Kippur War. In theFalklands War,Argentine Air Force Skyhawks bombedRoyal Navy vessels, sinking theType 42 destroyerCoventry and theType 21 frigateArdent.Indonesian Air Force Skyhawks were used for counterinsurgency strikes inEast Timor.Kuwaiti Air Force Skyhawks saw action duringOperation Desert Storm. In 2022, nearly seven decades after the aircraft's first flight in 1954, a number of Skyhawks[2] remained in service with theArgentine Air Force and theBrazilian Naval Aviation.[3]
The Skyhawk was designed by Douglas Aircraft'sEd Heinemann in response to aUnited States Navy call for a jet-powered attack aircraft to replace thepiston-poweredDouglas AD Skyraider (later redesignated A-1 Skyraider).[4] Heinemann opted for a design that would minimize its size, weight, and complexity. The result was an aircraft that weighed only half of the Navy's weight specification.[5] It had a wing so compact that it did not need to be folded for carrier stowage. The first 500 production examples cost an average of$860,000 (equivalent to about $10,070,000 in 2024) each, less than the Navy's $1 million maximum.[2] The diminutive Skyhawk soon received thenicknames "Scooter", "Kiddiecar", "Bantam Bomber", "Tinker Toy Bomber", and, on account of its speed and nimble performance, "Heinemann's Hot-Rod".[6] The XA4D-1 prototype set a world speed record of 695.163 mph on 15 October 1955.[1]
The aircraft is of conventional post-World War II design, with a low-mounteddelta wing,tricycle undercarriage, and a singleturbojet engine in the rear fuselage, with two air intakes on the fuselage sides. The tail is ofcruciform design, with the horizontal stabilizer mounted above the fuselage. Armament consisted of two 20 mm (.79 in caliber)Colt Mark 12 cannons, one in each wing root, with 100 rounds per gun (the A-4M Skyhawk II and types based on the A-4M have 200 rounds per gun), plus a large variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles carried on a hardpoint under the fuselage centerline and hardpoints under each wing (originally one per wing, later two).[7]
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The short-span delta wing did not require the complexity of wingtip folding, saving an estimated 200 pounds (91 kg). Its spars were machined from a single forging that spanned across both wingtips.[1][8] Theleading edge slats were designed to drop automatically at the appropriate speed by gravity and air pressure, saving weight and space by omitting actuation motors and switches. Similarly, the main undercarriage did not penetrate the main wing spar, designed so that when retracted only the wheel itself was inside the wing and the undercarriage struts were housed in a fairing below the wing. Thus, the wing structure was lighter with the same overall strength. The rudder was constructed of a single panel reinforced with external ribs.[9]
The aircraft'sturbojet engine was accessed for service or replacement by removing the aft section of the fuselage and sliding out the engine. This obviated the need for access doors with their hinges and latches further reducing weight and complexity. This is the opposite of what can often happen in aircraft design where a small weight increase in one area leads to a compounding increase in weight in other areas to compensate, creating a demand for more powerful, heavier engines, larger wing andempennage area, and so on in a vicious circle.[10][11][12]
The A-4 pioneered the concept of"buddy" air-to-air refueling. This allows the aircraft to supply others of the same type, reducing the need for dedicated tanker aircraft—a particular advantage for small air arms or when operating in remote locations. This allows for greatly improved operational flexibility and reassurance against the loss or malfunction of tanker aircraft, though this procedure reduces the effective combat force on board the carrier.
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A designated supply A-4 would mount a center-mounted "buddy store", a large external fuel tank with a hose reel in the aft section and an extensible drogue refueling bucket. This aircraft was fueled up without armament and launched first. Attack aircraft were armed to the maximum and were given as much fuel as was allowable by maximum takeoff weight limits, which was far less than a full tank. It was SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to launch one Skyhawk as a tanker per launch-recovery cycle. In combat, 2-3 Skyhawk tankers were launched, especially if several groups of aircraft were attacking a heavily defended target.[13]
Once airborne, they topped off their fuel tanks from the tanker using the A-4's fixed refueling probe on the starboard side of the aircraft nose. They could then sortie with both full armament and fuel loads. The A-4 was rarely used for refueling in U.S. service after theKA-3 Skywarrior tanker became available aboard the larger carriers.
The A-4 was also designed to be able to make an emergency landing, in the event of a hydraulic failure, on the two drop tanks nearly always carried by these aircraft. Such landings resulted in only minor damage to the nose of the aircraft which could be repaired in less than an hour.
The Navy issued a contract for the type on 12 June 1952,[14] and the first prototype first flew fromEdwards Air Force Base,California on 22 June 1954.[15] Deliveries to Navy (VA-72) and Marine Corps (VMA-224) squadrons commenced in late 1956.[16]
The Skyhawk remained in production until 1979, with 2,960 aircraft built, including 555 two-seattrainers.[17] The last production A-4, an A-4M of Marine squadronVMA-331 had the flags of all nations that operated the A-4 painted on its fuselage sides.
The Skyhawk proved to be a relatively common United States Navy aircraft export. Due to its small size, it could be operated from older, smaller World War II-era aircraft carriers still used by smaller navies during the 1960s. These older ships were often unable to accommodate newer Navy fighters such as theF-4 Phantom II andF-8 Crusader, which were faster and more capable than the A-4, but significantly larger and heavier.
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The Navy operated the A-4 in both Regular Navy andNaval Reserve light attack squadrons (VA). Although the A-4's use as a training and adversary aircraft would continue well into the 1990s, the Navy began removing the aircraft from its frontline attack squadrons in 1967, with the last ones (Super Foxes of VA-55/212/164) being retired in 1976.
The Marine Corps would not take the U.S. Navy's replacement, theLTV A-7 Corsair II, instead keeping Skyhawks in service with both Regular Marine Corps andMarine Corps Reserve attack squadrons (VMA), and ordering the new A-4M model. The last USMC Skyhawk was delivered in 1979, and they were used until the mid-1980s before they were replaced by the equally small, but more versatileSTOVLAV-8 Harrier II.[18]
VMA-131, Marine Aircraft Group 49 (the Diamondbacks) retired its last four OA-4Ms on 22 June 1994. Trainer versions of the Skyhawk remained in Navy service, however, finding a new lease on life with the advent of "adversary training", where the nimble A-4 was used as a stand-in for theMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 indissimilar air combat training (DACT). It served in that role atTOPGUN until 1999.
The A-4's nimble performance also made it suitable to replace the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II when the Navy downsized its aircraft for theBlue Angels demonstration team, untilMcDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets were available in the 1980s. The last U.S. Navy Skyhawks, TA-4J models belonging to the composite squadron VC-8, remained in military use for target towing, and as adversary aircraft, for combat training atNaval Station Roosevelt Roads. These aircraft were officially retired on 3 May 2003.
Skyhawks were well loved by their crews for being tough and agile. These attributes, along with their low purchase and operating cost as well as easy maintenance, have contributed to the popularity of the A-4 with American and international armed forces. Besides the U.S., at least four other nations have used Skyhawks in combat (Argentina, Indonesia, Israel, and Kuwait).
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Skyhawks were the U.S. Navy's primary light attack aircraft used over North Vietnam during the early years of theVietnam War; later supplanted by theA-7 Corsair II in the U.S. Navy light attack role. Skyhawks carried out some of thefirst air strikes by the U.S. during the conflict, and a Marine Skyhawk is believed to have dropped the last American bombs on the country.[citation needed] Notable naval aviators who flew the Skyhawk includedLieutenant CommandersEverett Alvarez, Jr. andJohn McCain, andCommanderJames Stockdale. On 1 May 1967, an A-4C Skyhawk piloted by Lieutenant Commander Theodore R. Swartz ofVA-76 aboard the carrierUSS Bon Homme Richard, shot down a North Vietnamese Air Force MiG-17 with an unguidedZuni rocket, serving as the Skyhawk's only air-to-air victory of the Vietnam War.[19][20]
From 1956 onwards, Navy Skyhawks were the first aircraft to be deployed outside of the U.S. armed with the AIM-9 Sidewinder.[21] On strike missions, the Skyhawk's normal role, air-to-air armaments were used for self-defense. In the early to mid-1960s, standard U.S. Navy A-4B Skyhawk squadrons were assigned to provide fighter protection foranti-submarine warfare aircraft operating from someEssex-class anti-submarine warfare carriers; these aircraft retained their ground- and sea-attack capabilities. The A-4B lacked an air-to-air radar, and it required visual identification of targets and guidance from either ships or an airborneGrumman E-1 Tracer AEW aircraft.
Lightweight and safer to land on smaller decks, Skyhawks would later also play a similar role flying from Australian, Argentinean, and Brazilian upgraded World War II surplus light ASW carriers, which were unable to operate most large modern fighters.[22][23] Primary air-to-air armament consisted of the internal 20 mm (.79 in) Colt cannons and ability to carry anAIM-9 Sidewinder missile on both underwing hardpoints, later additions of two more underwing hardpoints on some aircraft made for a total capacity of four AAMs.
The first combat loss of an A-4 occurred on 5 August 1964, whenLieutenant junior gradeEverett Alvarez, ofVA-144 aboardUSS Constellation, was shot down while attacking enemy torpedo boats inNorth Vietnam. Alvarez safely ejected after being hit by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire, and became the first U.S. Naval POW of the war.[24] He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973. The last A-4 loss in the Vietnam War occurred on 26 September 1972, when USMC pilotCaptain James P. Walsh, USMC ofVMA-211, flying close air support fromBien Hoa Air Base,South Vietnam, was hit by ground fire during theBattle of An Lộc. Captain Walsh ejected safely and was the last U.S. Marine to be taken prisoner during the war. He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973.
Although the first A-4Es were flown in Vietnam in early 1965, the A-4Cs continued to be used until late 1970. On 1 June 1965, theChu Lai Short Airfield for Tactical Support (SATS) was officially opened with the arrival of eight Skyhawks fromCubi Point, Philippine Islands.[25] The group landed with the aid of arresting cables, refueled and took off with the aid ofJATO, with fuel and bombs to support Marine combat units. The Skyhawks were from Marine Attack SquadronVMA-225 andVMA-311.[26]
Lieutenant commanderMichael J. Estocin ofAttack Squadron 192 was posthumously awarded theMedal of Honor for his actions while flyingsurface-to-air missile (SAM) suppression during coordinated strikes against targets inHaiphong,North Vietnam, on 20 April and 26 April 1967.[27]
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On 29 July 1967, the aircraft carrierUSS Forrestal was conducting combat operations in theGulf of Tonkin during theVietnam War. AZuni rocket misfired, striking an external tank on an A-4. Fuel from the leaking tank caught fire, creating a massiveconflagration thatburned for hours, killing 134 sailors, and injuring 161.
During the conflict, 362 A-4/TA-4F Skyhawks were lost due to all causes. The U.S. Navy lost 271 A-4s, the U.S. Marine Corps lost 81 A-4s and 10 TA-4Fs. A total of 32 A-4s were lost to surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and one A-4 was lost in aerial combat to a MiG-17 on 25 April 1967.[28]
The Skyhawk, in the two-seat TA-4J configuration, was introduced to a training role replacing theTF-9J Cougar.[29] The TA-4J served as the advanced jet trainer in white and orange markings for decades until being replaced by theT-45 Goshawk. Additional TA-4Js were assigned to Instrument TrainingRAGs at all the Navy master jet bases under RCVW-12 and RCVW-4. The Instrument RAGs initially provided jet transition training for Naval Aviators during the time period when Naval Aviation still had a great number of propeller-driven aircraft and also provided annual instrument training and check rides forNaval Aviators. The assigned TA-4J models were installed with collapsible hoods so the aviator under training had to demonstrate instrument flying skills without any outside reference. These units wereVF-126 atNAS Miramar, California;VA-127 (later VFA-127; NAS FALLON, NV) at NAS Lemoore, California;VF-43 atNAS Oceana, Virginia; andVA-45 (later VF-45) atNAS Cecil Field, Florida until its later move toNAS Key West, Florida.
Additional single-seat Skyhawks were also assigned to composite squadrons (VC) worldwide to provide training and other services to deployed units. These included VC-1 atNAS Barbers Point, Hawaii; VC-7 atNAS Miramar, California; VC-5 atNAS Cubi Point,Philippines; VC-8 atNS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; VC-10 atNAVBASE Guantánamo Bay,Cuba, and Naval Reserve squadrons VC-12 (later VFC-12) atNAS Oceana, Virginia and VC-13 (later VFC-13) at NAS Miramar, California until its later move toNAS Fallon, Nevada.
With renewed emphasis on Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training brought on with the establishment of theNavy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in 1969, the availability of Skyhawks in both the Instrument RAGs and Composite Squadrons at the master jet bases presented a ready resource of the nimble Skyhawks that had become the TOPGUN preferred surrogate for the MiG-17. At the time, the F-4 Phantom was just beginning to be exploited to its full potential as a fighter and had not performed as well as expected against the smaller North Vietnamese MiG-17 andMiG-21 opponents. TOPGUN introduced the notion ofdissimilar air combat training (DACT) using modified A-4E/Fs. Modified aircraft, called "Mongoose", lost the dorsal hump, the 20 mm cannon with their ammo systems, and the external stores, although sometimes the centerline station was kept. The slats were fixed.[30]
The small size of the Skyhawk and superb low speed handling in the hands of a well trained aviator made it ideal to teach fleet aviators the finer points of DACT. The squadrons eventually began to display vivid threat type paint schemes signifying their transition into the primary role of Adversary training. To better perform the Adversary role, single-seat A-4E and F models were introduced to the role, but the ultimate adversary Skyhawk was the Super Fox, which was equipped with the uprated J52-P-408 engine. This variant had entered service in 1974 with VA-55/VA-164/VA-212 on the final USSHancock cruise and had been the variant that the Blue Angels had selected in 1973.
The surplus of former USMC Skyhawks resulted in A-4M versions being used by both VF-126 and TOPGUN. Even though the A-4 was augmented by theF-5E,F-21 (Kfir),F-16, and F/A-18 in the adversary role, the A-4 remained a viable threat surrogate until it was retired by VF-43 in 1993 and shortly thereafter by VFC-12. The last A-4 fleet operators were VC-8, which retired its Skyhawks in 2003.[31]
The A-4M was also operated by the Operations Maintenance Detachment (OMD) in an adversary role based atNAS Dallas, Texas for the Naval Air Reserve. Many of the aviators that flew the four jets were attached to NAS Dallas, including the Commanding Officer of the air station. The aircraft were instrumental in training and development of ACM for Naval Air Reserve fighter squadrons VF-201 and VF-202 flying the F-4 Phantom II and later theGrumman F-14 Tomcat. The unit also completed several missions involving target towing to NAS Key West, Florida;NAS Kingsville, Texas, and deployments to NAS Miramar, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada for adversary support. The detachment was under the operational command of the Commander Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW), also based at NAS Dallas.
Israel was the largest export customer for the Skyhawk.[32] The first Israeli request for the type was issued in 1964; it would not be until February 1966 that the U.S. agreed to supply Skyhawks under certain conditions.[33] The U.S. gradually provided numerous conventional munitions to arm the aircraft with, but was initially limited, refusing to supplycluster bombs ornapalm.[34] The Skyhawk became the first U.S. warplane to be offered to theIsraeli Air Force (IAF), marking the point where the U.S took over France as Israel's chief military supplier. Deliveries began after the Six-Day War, and A-4s soon formed the backbone of the IAF's ground-attack force. In IAF service, the Skyhawk was named as theAyit (Hebrew:עיט forEagle).[35]
The aircraft had a relatively low cost, a quarter of what a Phantom II cost, while carrying half of its payload. Israel purchased 217 A-4s, plus another 46 that were transferred from U.S. units inOperation Nickel Grass to compensate for large losses during the Yom Kippur War.[36][37] The first deliveries took place in December 1967.[38] Skyhawks promptly began to replaceDassault Ouragan andDassault Mystère IV in IAF service, providing greater speed, range, and lift capacity in comparison to these older types. The first combat mission took place on 15 February 1968, attacking artillery and military bases along the border withJordan.[39]
In the late 1960s and 1970s, IAF Skyhawks were the primary ground attack aircraft in theWar of Attrition and theYom Kippur War.[40] During July 1969, in response to Egyptian shelling of Israeli positions in theSinai Peninsula, air strikes were conducted against Egyptian missile sites.[41] On 6 February 1970, Skyhawks attacked the Egyptian port ofGardaka, sinking aminelayer as a result. Furthermore, skirmishes between IAF Skyhawks and Arab aircraft of various sorts frequently occurred.[42] In May 1970, an Israeli Skyhawk piloted by Col. Ezra Dotan shot down two MiG-17s over south Lebanon (one with unguided rockets, the other with 30 mm cannon fire) even though the Skyhawk's head-up display had no "air-to-air mode".[43][44] However, up to three Skyhawks were downed by Egyptian MiG-21s, plus two were downed by Soviet-piloted MiG-21s during the War of Attrition.[45][46]
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During the Yom Kippur War, IAF Skyhawks carried out numerous bombing missions, flying a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties made throughout the conflict.[47] The vast majority of losses incurred were fromsurface to air missiles (SAMs); as many of 30 IAF aircraft were lost in a single day while resisting Egyptian and Syrian advances.[48] To counter the radar-guided SAM threat, the Skyhawk'sair brakes were used as improvisedchaff dispensers. Improvements in tactics, such as the adoption of toss-bombing attacks, were also adopted in the latter part of the conflict.[49] ACIG.org claims that at least nine Skyhawks were downed byMiG-21 andMiG-17 fighters during the Yom Kippur War.[50][45][51] Formal Israeli sources claim only five IAF aircraft of any type were shot down in air-to-air duels.[52]
A special version of the A-4 was developed for the IAF, the A-4H. This was an A-4E which featured improved avionics and the improved thrustJ52-P-8A engine. Armament consisted of twin DEFA 30 mm cannon in place of the Colt Mk.12 20 mm cannons. Later modifications included the avionics hump and an extended tailpipe. The extended tailpipe gave greater protection against heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles.[53] A total of 90 A-4Hs were delivered.[36] In early 1973, the improved A-4N Skyhawk for Israel entered service, based on the A-4M models used by the U.S. Marine Corps. The different model Skyhawks carried out bombing missions in the Yom Kippur War, and a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties. They also attacked in Operation Peace for the Galilee, and one of them shot down a Syrian MiG-17.
The IAF also operated two-seat models, for operations as well as advanced training and retraining. The first training models arrived in 1967, with the first batch of Skyhawks. During the Yom Kippur War, the Skyhawk order of battle was reinforced with TA-4F and TA-4J models.[36] In January 2003, the IAF selectedRADA Electronic Industries Ltd. to upgrade its A-4 trainer fleet with weapon delivery, navigation and training systems.[54] Integration of a multifunction and Head-up Display produced an advanced Lead in fighter trainer for the IAF's future fighter pilots.[citation needed]
According to acig.org, Syria claimed that two Israeli Skyhawks were downed by SyrianMiG-23s over northern Lebanon on 26 April 1981.[55] However, official IAF statistics do not list any downing of Israeli warplanes since the Yom Kippur War,[56] and no loss of aircraft was reported on that date.
During the1982 Lebanon War, an Israeli A-4 piloted by Aharon Achiaz was shot down over Lebanon by a SA-7 on 6 June 1982.[57][58][59] Israel reported this was one of its only two fixed-wing aircraft shot down over theBeqaa Valley during air battles spanning from 6 June 1982 to 11 June 1982 where 150 aircraft took part, including the battle on 9 June 1982 known asOperation Mole Cricket 19.[59]
In October 2008, it was decided that, due to maintenance issues, the Skyhawk fleet would be withdrawn and replaced by more modern aircraft, able to perform equally well in the training role and, if required, close support and interdiction missions on the battlefield.[60] Some of Israel's A-4s were later exported toIndonesia. The Skyhawks have been replaced by F-16s in combat roles but are still used for pilot training. All the remaining A-4s were to be fully phased out beginning by 2014 as the IAF accepts delivery ofAlenia Aermacchi M-346 Master jets.[61][62] Skyhawks were last used in combat operations in the Israeli air force in 2012, when they droppedleaflets over Gaza.[63]
In July 2013, Israel began a program calledTeuza (boldness) for the purpose of turning some military bases into sales lots for obsolete IDF equipment. Older models that are not suited for Israel's modern high-tech forces will be sold off, or sold for scrap if there are no buyers. Skyhawks are among those being offered.[64][54]
On 13 December 2015, all remaining IAF Skyhawks were retired from service. The retirement ceremony took place atHatzerim IDF base.[65]
Argentina was the first foreign user of the Skyhawk and had nearly 130 A-4s delivered since 1965.[66] TheArgentine Air Force received 25 A-4Bs in 1966 and another 25 in 1970, all refurbished in the United States by Lockheed Service Co. prior to their delivery asA-4P, although they were still locally known asA-4B. They had three weapon pylons and served in the 5th Air Brigade (Spanish:V Brigada Aérea). During 1976, 25 A-4Cs were ordered to replace theNorth American F-86 Sabres still in service in the 4th Air Brigade (Spanish:IV Brigada Aérea). They were receivedas is and refurbished to flight status by Air Force technicians atRío Cuarto, Córdoba. The C model had five weapon pylons and could use AIM-9B Sidewinderair-to-air missiles.[citation needed]
TheArgentine Naval Aviation also bought the Skyhawk known asA-4Q in the form of 16 A-4Bs in 1972, which unlike the Air Force's A-4Ps, were powered by 8,400 lbf (40 kN) J-65-W-20 engines and fitted to use Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. They were received in 1972 to be used mainly from the aircraft carrierARAVeinticinco de Mayo by the 3rd Fighter/Attack Squadron (Spanish:3ra Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque).[67][68] The first combat use of Argentina's Skyhawks took place amid a military revolt during December 1975, performing a single strike against rebels inBuenos Aires.[66]
The U.S. placed an embargo of spare parts in 1977 due to theDirty War,[citation needed] backing the Humphrey-Kennedy amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1976, the Carter administration placed an embargo on the sale of arms and spare parts to Argentina and on the training of its military personnel (which was lifted in the 1990s underCarlos Menem's presidency when Argentina became amajor non-NATO ally).[69] Ejection seats did not work and there were many other mechanical faults.[70] In spite of this, A-4s were still active during the 1982Falklands War.
During the 1982Falklands War, Argentina deployed 48 Skyhawks (26 A-4B, 12 A-4C and 10 A-4Q aircraft).[71] Armed withunguided bombs and lacking any electronic or missile self-defense, the Skyhawk could not effectivelydogfight withFleet Air Arm (FAA)British Aerospace Sea Harriers.[72] Despite this,Argentine Air Force Skyhawks conducted numerous bombing missions againstRoyal Navy vessels, sinking theType 42 destroyerCoventry and inflicted a variety of damage on several others:Type 21 frigateAntelope (subsequently sunk during attempted disposal of unexploded bombs),RFASir Galahad (subsequently scuttled as a war grave), Type 42Glasgow,Leander-class frigateArgonaut,Type 22 frigateBroadsword, andRFASir Tristram.[73]
Argentine Navy A-4Qs, flying fromRío Grande, Tierra del Fuego naval air station, also played a role in the bombing attacks against British ships, destroying the Type 21Ardent.[74]
In all, 22 Skyhawks (10 A-4Bs, nine A-4Cs, and three A-4Qs) were lost to all causes in the six-week-long war.[75] These losses included eight to FAA Sea Harriers, seven to ship-launched surface-to-air missiles, four to ground-launched surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft fire (including one to "friendly fire"), and three to crashes.[71][76] According to aviation author Jim Winchester, the Skyhawk was the most effective Argentine aircraft of the conflict.[76]
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After the war, Argentine Air Force A-4Ps and A-4Cs survivors were upgraded under theHalcón (Spanish for "falcon") program with 30 mm (1.2 in)DEFA cannons, air-to-air missiles, and other minor details, and merged into the 5th Air Brigade. All of these were withdrawn from service in 1999, and they were replaced with 36 of the much-improvedLockheed Martin OA/A-4AR Fightinghawk (rebuilt and modernised ex USMC A-4M).[76] Several TA-4J and A-4E airframes were also delivered under the A-4AR program, mainly for spare parts use. The A-4AR was in service between the late 1990s and 2016 when the majority of the fleet was grounded for serviceability and age. A small number of airframes remained in service for limited roles. Three aircraft were lost to accidents.[77]
In 1983, the United States vetoed the delivery byIsrael of 24 A-4Hs for the Argentine Navy as the A-4Q replacement. The A-4Qs were finally retired in 1988.[78]
During November 1974, the Kuwaiti government announced its intention to purchase 36 new-build Skyhawks, along with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, support apparatus, and spares in exchange for $250 million.[79] The majority of aircraft were supplied as single-seat A-4KUs while a handful of twin-seat TA-4KUs were also procured. By the end of 1978, all aircraft had been delivered and entered service with theKuwaiti Air Force.[80] During 1984, Kuwait reportedly put its Skyhawk fleet up for sale, but none were actually sold around this time.[81]
In 1991, Kuwaiti Skyhawks participated inOperation Desert Storm. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, all available Skyhawks conducted attack missions against the advancing Iraqi forces, being operated from deserted roads after their bases were overrun; numerous Iraqi assault helicopters were destroyed by the Skyhawks prior to their withdrawal.[82] As many as five aircraft were captured on the ground by Iraqi forces.[81] Twenty-four of the 29 A-4KUs that remained in service with Kuwait escaped toSaudi Arabia. These Skyhawks (along with escapedDassault Mirage F1s) operated as theFree Kuwait Air Force, flying 1,361 sorties during theliberation of Kuwait.[83] Twenty-three A-4s survived the conflict and the Iraqi invasion,[84] with only one A-4KU (KAF-828, BuNo. 160207) shot down by Iraqi radar-guided SAM on 17 January 1991.[85][86] The pilot, Mohammed Mubarak, ejected and was taken prisoner.[87]
During the early 1990s, as Kuwait awaited delivery of more capableMcDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, protracted efforts were made to sell its remaining Skyhawks.[81] Assisted by the U.S. State Department, fruitless negotiations took place with bothBosnia and thePhilippines; in 1998, the fleet was sold to Brazil, where they served aboard the aircraft carrierNAeSão Paulo[81][88] prior to its decommissioning in February 2017.[citation needed]
Twenty A-4G Skyhawks were purchased by theRoyal Australian Navy for operation fromHMAS Melbourne. The aircraft were acquired in two batches of 10, in 1967 and 1971, and were primarily used to provide air defence for the fleet. Ten of the A-4Gs were destroyed in accidents, and all the survivors were sold to theRoyal New Zealand Air Force in 1984.[89]
During the 1960s, New Zealand considered various aircraft types, such as theNorthrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and the F-4 Phantom II, before choosing to order 14 Skyhawks for theRoyal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) under a $23 million deal for the aircraft themselves, spare parts, support, and initial training.[90] In 1970, 10 single-seat A-4Ks and 4 TA-4Ks were delivered to the RNZAF, joiningNo. 75 Squadron. Various early modifications were made, including the adoption of a cranked aerial refueling probe in place of the straight counterpart initially used.[91] Various overseas deployments, often to conductANZUS exercises, were conducted by the Skyhawk fleet throughout the 1970s and 1980s, often being escorted by up to three C-130 Hercules transport planes (carrying spares, support equipment, and ground crew) and a P-3 Orion to assist in navigation and communication.[92]
In 1983, additional Skyhawks were acquired in the form of 8 A-4Gs and 2 TA-4Gs from theRoyal Australian Navy in 1984, which allowed a second Skyhawk-equipped squadron,No. 2 Squadron, to be formed.[93] During 1986,Project Kahu was launched to upgrade the RNZAF's Skyhawks with new avionics, including anAN/APG-66 NZ radar based on that used by theF-16, and weapons, as a lower-cost alternative to buying new replacements.[89] All 10 ex-RAN and the 12 surviving original RNZAF aircraft were converted to the A-4K Kahu standard.[94] In addition to its primary duties, the type became heavily involved in training not just for the RNZAF but also RAN, the latter financially contributing to their operating costs through the 1990s as a result.[95]
During 2001, the three Air Combat Force squadrons (Nos. 2, 14, and 75) were disbanded and the Skyhawks put into storage awaiting sale.[96][97] They were maintained, with occasional servicing flights, and then moved toRNZAF Base Woodbourne, where they were preserved in protective latex.[98][99][100]Draken International signed an agreement with the New Zealand government in 2012 to purchase eight A-4Ks and associated equipment for its adversary training services. Six were former RAN A-4G airframes[101] which as carrier aircraft had logged significantly fewer flying hours.[102] These were subsequently relocated to the U.S. at Draken'sLakeland Linder International Airport facility inLakeland, Florida.[103] The other A-4K aircraft were given to museums in New Zealand and Australia.[104]
Due to the declining relationship between Indonesia and the Soviet Union after the events of30 September Movement in mid 1960s, there was a lack ofspare parts for military hardware supplied by theCommunist Bloc.[105] As a consequence, many of theIndonesian Air Force's modern combat aircraft, such as itsMiGs andbomber fleet consisting ofIl-28 Beagles andTu-16 Badgers, were effectively inoperable by the early 1970s, and were subsequently grounded. During May 1978, U.S. vice-presidentWalter Mondale offered 16 Skyhawks to Indonesia; during the following year, Indonesia proceeded to acquire Skyhawks via a covert, joint operation with Israel, dubbedOperation Alpha. The operation was done confidentially because thetwo countries had no official diplomatic relations.[106] These A-4s were chosen because the IDF were planning to retire its A-4 squadrons. Some of the Israeli-builtavionics were stripped from the aircraft prior to being transferred.[107]
During 1982, an additional 15 Skyhawks were purchased directly from U.S. stocks, undergoing refurbishment prior to delivery under a $27 million deal.[107] Several more twin-seat Skyhawks were procured during the 1990s.[66] Two squadrons operated the A-4 Skyhawks, the 11th Air Squadron atIswahjudi Air Force Base in East Java and 12th Air Squadron atRoesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Riau.[108]
A flight of four A-4 Skyhawks were deployed toEast Timor forcounter-insurgency operations in a six months combat tour between 1985–1986. During the deployment, they were based atBaucau Airport.[109] The Skyhawks were mostly armed with 500 lbs (230 kg)Mark 82 bombs.[110] On 2 November 1987, the Indonesian Air Force launched a long-range strike mission against targets in East Timor using the Skyhawks. A flight of five A-4s, each armed with six 500 lbs Mark 82 bombs, twoLAU-68 rocket pods, and two external fuel tanks, departedIswahjudi Air Force Base in East Java for two and a half hour flight to East Timor. The flight was supported by aKC-130B Hercules for aerial refueling. The five A-4s attacked 30 designated targets in the Eastern Sector nearBaucau, and then landed at Baucau Airport.[111][112]
By 1999, there were only 19 aircraft left operational, partially due to a lack of spare parts. The arrival ofSukhoi Su-27s during 2003 quickly led to the withdrawal of the Indonesian Air Force's remaining Skyhawks.[113][114][115][116] On 5 August 2004, three A-4 Skyhawks with tail numbers TT-0431, TT-0440, and TL-0416 from 11th Air Squadron, based atSultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base inMakassar, flew in the skies of Indonesia for the last time with the destination ofAdisutjipto Air Force Base,Yogyakarta.[117] Today, a sizeable number of the A-4s are preserved as museum pieces, monuments, orgate guardians; for example one is displayed inSatria Mandala Military Museum, and the other in theDirgantara Mandala Air Force Museum.[118][119]
In 1982, Malaysia purchased 80 refurbished A-4C and A-4L under a modernization program called PERISTA. Forty of the airframes were upgraded with the Hughes AN/ASB-19 Angle Rate Bombing System, air refueling capability, and increased payload, while the rest were kept in the U.S. as a reserve and as a source of spare parts. This modified version was redesignated as A-4PTM and were unique to Malaysia. Deliveries took place between 1984 and 1985.[120]
The Skyhawks were operated by theRoyal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), serving in the No.6 and No.9 RMAF Squadrons, based atKuantan air base.[120] During the late 1980s, Argentina attempted tobarter for Skyhawks from Malaysia in exchange forFMA IA-63 Pampa aircraft and ground vehicles, but no such transaction took place.[120] While in RMAF service, the type suffered from frequent maintenance issues and a high accident rate; it is believed that this contributed to the type's relatively short service life.[121] In 1995, the Skyhawk fleet was retired and remaining examples were stored outside, while the RMAF replaced the type with theBAE Systems Hawk. Malaysia reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Skyhawks from New Zealand during the 2000s.[122]
As of 2014, Brazil is the latest Skyhawk customer. In 1997, Brazil negotiated a $70 million (~$123 million in 2023) contract for purchase of 20 A-4KU and three TA-4KU Skyhawks from Kuwait. Kuwait's Skyhawks, modified A-4Ms and TA-4Js delivered in 1977, were among the last of those models built by Douglas. The aircraft were selected by Brazil because of their low flight time, excellent physical condition, and a favorable price.[123] TheBrazilian Navy re-designated AF-1 and AF-1A Falcões (Hawks), the Kuwaiti Skyhawks arrived inArraial do Cabo on 5 September 1998.[124][125][126]
On 18 January 2001, an AF-1 trapped aboard the Brazilian aircraft carrierMinas Gerais was later successfully catapulted, making Brazil's fixed-wing carrier force operational again after nearly two decades.[127][128] To replace the agingMinas Gerais, Brazil purchased the surplusFrench aircraft carrier Foch (R99) on 15 November 2001.[129] RenamedBrazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo (A12), the "new" carrier received extensive refitting before becoming operational during 2003.Minas Gerais was decommissioned that same year and later put up for sale.[130][127]
On 14 April 2009,Embraer signed a contract to modernize 12 Brazilian Navy aircraft, nine AF-1s (single-seat) and three AF-1As (two-seat), with the aim of restoring the operating capacity of the Navy 1st Intercept and Attack Plane Squadron. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems.[131] The first of the 12 modified Skyhawks was delivered on 27 May 2015. Embraer stated the modifications will allow the aircraft to remain operational until 2025.[132]
In 2017, the Brazilian Navy indicated that it was reconsidering the total number of aircraft to be modernized to AF-1B/C standard due to budget constraints and the decommissioning of theSão Paulo. Two AF-1Bs were delivered in 2015 and a further two of undisclosed type are to be delivered in 2017. It is believed that despite the loss of its only carrier, the Navy wants to retain the experience of carrier-based operations, and thus will not rescind the contract outright.[133] As of 2022, there are 3 A-4s in service, with 3 used for training and the other aircraft on display.[citation needed]
Top Aces, formerly Discovery Air Defense Services, a private Canadian company contracted by theCanadian Armed Forces,Australian Defence Force, andBundeswehr to provide air combat and fighter training, imported and registered ten A-4N and TA-4J aircraft. Discovery upgraded and modified the jets to be capable ofElectronic Warfare training.[134][135][independent source needed] Top Aces also operates A-4Ns under contract for training of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).[136][137] Another major civil user of A-4s for training support to military forces is US-basedDraken International, which operates ex-New Zealand A-4Ks as part of a diverse fleet of jets.[138][139][140] A-4s have previously been operated in the target support role in Germany byTracor Flight Systems.[136]
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A-4N-AAF
Given the number of air forces that operated the Skyhawk, a significant number have been preserved, either airworthy or on display. Preserved A-4s can be found in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, United States, and others.
Data from McDonnell Douglas aircraft since 1920 : Volume I,[160] Global Security : A4D (A-4) Skyhawk[citation needed]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Typical avionics fitted to A-4s
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
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