A-4 Skyhawk

Image: U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation (Public Domain)

A-4 Skyhawk

Designation: A-4F

Douglas Aircraft Company Cold War fighter 1956-2003

Why it matters

Ed Heinemann was told the Navy wanted an attack aircraft half the weight of the A-1 Skyraider. He delivered one that was even lighter. The A-4 Skyhawk was so small it didn't need folding wings to fit on carrier elevators. It was cheap, rugged, and deadly effective. The Blue Angels flew it for 12 years. Israeli pilots flew it in combat. John McCain was shot down in one over Hanoi.

Specifications

Max Speed 670 mph
Range 2,000 miles
Service Ceiling 42,250 ft
Engine Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojet
Power/Thrust 9,300 lbf
Wingspan 27 ft 6 in
Length 40 ft 4 in
Crew 1
Production 2,960 built
First Flight 1954-06-22
Service Dates 1956-2003

Armament

  • • 2x 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannon
  • • 9,900 lbs ordnance on 5 hardpoints

Notable Features

  • "Heinemann's Hot Rod"
  • No wing fold mechanism (small enough without)
  • Blue Angels demonstration team
  • Vietnam workhorse

Patina notes

A-4s were designed for carrier abuse, and survivors show it. The landing gear took thousands of arrested landings. The delta wing shows stress patterns from high-G maneuvering. The aircraft was so reliable that many served decades beyond their expected service life. Museum examples often show the wear of multiple operators and extensive combat service.

Preservation reality

Many A-4s survive, both in museums and in private hands. The type was produced in large numbers and exported widely. Some remain flyable as adversary aircraft or warbirds. The J52 engine is well-supported. The A-4 is one of the more accessible Cold War jets for preservation and display.

Where to see one

  • • National Naval Aviation Museum
  • • National Museum of the US Air Force
  • • Pima Air & Space Museum
  • • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Preservation organizations

  • • Warbird Heritage Foundation
  • • Cold War Air Museum

Sources