1/72 A-4E/F Skyhawk (Hasegawa 1:72 Aircraft Series B09)

After World War II, the conversion of carrier-based fighters to jet engines proceeded smoothly, but the conversion of small carrier-based attack aircraft to jet engines lagged behind, and even after the Korean War ended, the A-1 Skyraider reciprocating engine was still the main force. The US Navy was fully aware of the importance of ground attacks in the Korean War, but the development of carrier-based attack aircraft was delayed again in order to develop a fighter superior to the Communist MiG15. However, in the early 1950s, the US Navy began a development plan for the next carrier-based attack aircraft, and in response to this plan, the Douglas design team proposed a small aircraft with a total weight of 6.8 tons and a wingspan of less than 8.4 meters, born from research into lightweight fighters. This bold design proposal was accepted, and a contract was signed. The first prototype (XA-4A), which made its first flight on June 22, 1954, was thoroughly lightened in weight, and the main wings were integrated into one unit, simplifying the aircraft structure by placing the fuselage on top of them, and was designed with ease of maintenance in mind. Until the final production aircraft was delivered in February 1979, the production period was 26 years, a total of 2,960 aircraft were produced, proving how excellent the basic design of the A-4 Skyhawk was.

The A-4E was an improved version of the A-4C, with the engine changed from J65 to J52-P-6. The shape of the air intake also changed with the engine change, and the weapon load under the main wing was increased to a maximum of 8,200 lb (3,720 kg).

The A-4F was the last type for the US Navy, with an upgraded engine to J52-P-8A, and a hump fairing to house electronic equipment was added to the rear of the fuselage.

The A-4F was also used by the US Navy's acrobatic team, the Blue Angels, from 1974 to 1986, dazzling audiences with its dynamic flight.

Data (A-4E)
Crew: 1
Width: 8.38m
Length: 12.59m
Height: 4.57m
Engine: P&W J52-P-6
Thrust: 3,855kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 11,110kg
Maximum speed: 1,085km/h/SL
Fixed armament: 2 x 20mm cannons
First flight: July 21, 1961 (A-4E), August 31, 1966 (A-4F)