Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was a compact, lightweight carrier-based attack aircraft designed by Ed Heinemann for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. First flown in 1954, the single-seat jet was deliberately kept small and simple, with a delta wing so short it did not require folding for carrier stowage, earning it nicknames like Heinemann's Hot Rod and Scooter. Powered by a single turbojet, it could carry a substantial weapons load on five hardpoints.
The Skyhawk became a mainstay of Navy and Marine light-attack squadrons during the Vietnam War, flying thousands of strike sorties, and also served as an adversary and training aircraft. Widely exported, it saw combat with Israel, Argentina, and other nations, with nearly 3,000 built over a remarkably long production run.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Douglas
- Type
- Carrier-based attack aircraft
- Crew
- 1
- First Flight
- June 22, 1954
- Powerplant
- One Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojet
- Max Speed
- 674 mph
- Range
- 2,000 mi (ferry)
- Service Ceiling
- 42,700 ft
- Length
- 38 ft 4 in
- Wingspan
- 27 ft 6 in
- Loaded Weight
- 24,500 lb max takeoff
- Armament
- Two 20mm cannons; up to 8,200 lb of bombs, rockets and missiles on five hardpoints