A-4 Skyhawk

Overview

The Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk is a lightweight, single engine attack aircraft. The mission of an A-4 attack squadron is to attack and to destroy surface targets in support of the landing force commander, escort helicopters, and conduct other operations as directed. Developed in the early 1950s, the A-4 Skyhawk was originally designated the A-4D as a lightweight, daylight only nuclear capable strike aircraft for use in large numbers from aircraft carriers. There are numerous models of the A-4 in use. The A-4M and the TA-4F are currently used by Marine Corps Reserve squadrons. All models have two internally mounted 20mm (.8 inch) cannons, and are capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons under day and night visual meteorological conditions. The A-4M uses a heads-up display and computer aided delivery of its bomb load with the angle rate bombing system. The Marine Reserve has two squadrons of A-4s with 12 aircraft each. Additionally, each squadron has two TA-4 aircraft.

Specifications Return to Top
Summary:	Cantilever Low Wing Monoplane, with 33 degree swept back wings Single seat, high performance, light attack and ground support aircraft Outstanding low speed control and stability during takeoff and landing Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in Length (excluding IFR Probe): 40 ft 3-1/4 in Height: 15 ft Deliveries began in November 1962 765 A-4 aircraft worldwide. Pound for pound, the A-4 aircraft is one of the most effective and versatile light attack aircraft produced. The Skyhawk is 34 years old; yet export models are still highly regarded and undergoing modern avionics, weapons, and engine upgrades to maintain their flying prowess into the next century.
Contractor:	McDonnell Douglas
Power Plant:	Single, Pratt & Whitney, J-52-P-408A non-afterburning, turbojet engine that develops 11,220 pounds of thrust
Accommodations:	One pilot
Performance:	Maximum speed: 586 knots (with a 4,000 pound bomb load) Initial climb rate: 8,440 ft/min Maximum ferry range: 2,000 nautical miles
Countermeasures:	Not applicable
Armament:	Mounts two 20 mm guns internal to the wing structure Has one fuselage and four wing racks and carries a variety of external stores. May be provisioned for Sidewinder, Shrike, and Walleye missiles and 1,000 pound bombs.
Mission and Capabilities:	Maximum takeoff weight: 24,500 pounds Six "G" load maximum Fuel capacity of both wing and fuselage internal and three external tanks: 1,800 U.S. gallons Typical dry weight: 10,465 pounds Primary avionics systems include: UHF-ARC-159, VHF-ARC-114, RAD/ALT-APN-194, TACAN-ARN-118, ILS/VOR-ARA-63/ARN-14, CHAFF-ALE-39, IFF-APX-72, RADAR-APG-53-A, Secure Comm-KY28/58, AN/ALQ-126, Countermeasures AN/ALQ-162, HUD AN/AVQ-24 and Navigational Computer AN/ASN-41.

External Dimensions

Wing span	8.38m
Wing span over missiles
Wing chord at root	4.72m
Wing chord at tip
Wing aspect ratio
Width, wings folded
Length overall	12.29m
Height overall	4.57m
Tailplane span	3.45m
Distance between fin tips
Wheel track	2.37m
Wheelbase

Areas

Wings, gross	24.16m²
Ailerons (total)
Leading-edge flaps (total)
Trailing-edge flaps (total)
Vert Tail Services (total)	4.65m²
Horz Tail Services (total)	4.54m²
Tailerons (total)

Weights and Loadings

Weight empty	4,899kg
Maximum fuel weight
Internal (JP5)
External: (JP5)
Maximum external stores load
Take off weight (normal)	11,113kg
Fighter mission
Attack mission
Maximum
Maximum wing loading (attack mission)

Performance (At Maximum Takeoff Weight)

Max level speed	561 knots
Max speed, intermediate power
Approach speed
Acceleration from 460 knots to 920 knots at 10,670 m
Combat ceiling
T-O run @ 23,000lbs take-off weight	832m
Minimum wind over deck:
Launching
Recovery
Combat radius, interdiction, hi-lo-lo-hi
Combat endurance, CAP 150 nm from aircraft carrier
Ferry range, unrefueled	1,740nm