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Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

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This is an Esci 1:72 scale A-4E. It carries six 500 lb bombs on a multiple-ejector rack on the centerline station, two rocket pods, and two external fuel tanks. (Photo by Mary Boucher)
Agressor A-4 Another Esci 1:72 scale A-4E, this time in U.S. Navy's aggressor colors. (Photo by Mary Boucher)
Prototype A-4 Skyhawk A prototype A-4 undergoing flight tests.


About the Esci models:

Esci kit have a lot going for them. The detail is crisp, extensive, and just superb. The engineering is excellent; the kits built very well, with virtually no fit problems or any other difficulties. They provide a wide range of options for building the aircraft in different configuations. And they're very inexpensive (usually less than $10 each). Unfortunately, they are no longer marketed in the United States (Ertl had been distributing them, but lost their license). These two were leftover stock that I was, in retrospect, lucky to get. The only major problem with them is they're extremely tail heavy, and there is no real way to offset the weight because the plane is just too small. The kit includes both the early and late style in-flight refueling probes, and an optional "humpback" spine. These kits are beautiful.

About the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk:

Originally developed by the Douglas Company as a nuclear strike bomber, the A-4 Skyhawk was quickly adopted as the USN's principal attack aircraft. The type was able to carry over 9,000 lbs of bombs and saw considerable action in the Vietnam War, where it served alongside A-1 Skyraiders, A-3 Skywarriors, A-6 Intruders, and A-7 Corsair IIs. A-4s are extremely versatile aircraft. Some served as the Navy's first radar-killing aircraft, carrying two AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles. Others were modified into the OA-4M recon/FAC aircraft. The maneuverable Skyhawk was also used extensively as an aggressor aircraft at the Navy Fighter Weapons School at NAS Mirimar.

A-4E Skyhawk Specifications
Empty Weight 10,250 lbs
Maximum Takeoff Weight 22,500 lbs
Maximum (Ferry) Range 1,500 miles
Combat Radius approximately 500 miles
Armament Two Mk. 12 20 mm cannon each with 200 rounds; 9,000 lbs of bombs, rockets, missiles, and other assorted stores
Engine One 9,300 lbst Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8B turbojet
Speed 701 mph
Height 15'
Length 41'9"
Wing Span (Width) 27'6"
Crew One
Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company

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Hit counter Updated: December 8, 2003.