Skyhawk
s/n BuAero 137826
Built from 1954 to 1979, the single-seat A-4 had a longer production life than any other type of combat aircraft in the Free World, and was the Navy's and Marines' standard light-attack fighter for nearly 20 years.
Originally designated A4D-1 and first flown (as XA4D-1) on June 22, 1954, this one was the initial production model and is quite rare — only 165 were built. Under a new designation system, it became A-4A in 1962.
Armament consisted of two 20mm cannon in the wingroots, and three external racks carried either a weapons load of 5,000 pounds or dropable tanks for a fuel supply of 800 gallons.
The A-4A arrived at Estrella Warbirds Museum in 1999 from NAS China Lake under a long-term loan agreement with the Department of Defense.
This A-4A looks pretty good considering it arrived at Estrella Warbirds Museum in pieces after it was used for target practice at China Lake! Well done, restoration crew!
Manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Co. at El Segundo and Palmdale CA.
| Powerplant: | 5,970 lb Wright J65-2-4 turbojet |
| Wingspan: | 27' 6" |
| Length: | 39' 5 " |
| Height: | 15' 0 " |
| Wing area: | 260 sf |
| Empty weight: | 8,400 lbs |
| Gross weight: | 14,875 lbs |
| Maximum speed: | 664 mph |
| Cruising speed: | 506 mph |
| Landing speed: | 124 mph |
| Ceiling: | 46,600 ft |
| Range: | 1,490 statute miles |
| Status: | Static Display |
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