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Aviation History
1979
1979 - 1200.PDF
Skyhawk's quarter century McDonnell Douglas delivered the last A-4M Skyhawk to the US Navy on February 27, marking the end of the longest production run of any US military aircraft. A quarter century separates the A4D-1 and the A-4M, but the design philosophy which gave the US Navy its lightest jet bomber also gave the US Marine Corps its most survivable close support aircraft. GRAHAM WARWICK looks at the Skyhawk's development and talks to Ed Heinemann, creator of the A-4 family AGE has improved that sleek profile. A few bumps and i bulges have appeared but with them has come an air of experience. Time has filled out that compact body but with muscle not fat. Of course 26 years and two wars would leave their mark on anything—even the Skyhawk. After 2,960 examples and 17 variants, Skyhawk produce tion has ended, 21 years and 2:2 thousand aircraft later than expected. What made the Skyhawk a natural survivor? Development of the Skyhawk was triggered by a 1951 US Navy requirement for a low-cost attack aircraft, with the accent on low cost. Ed Heinemann, chief engineer at Douglas El Segundo, was well aware that cost and weight are inseparable and he already had a reputation for design ing light aircraft (at least lighter than anyone else had). He excelled himself with the A-4, or A4D as it was then known, producing a 15,0001b aircraft powered by an 8,0001b- thrust (supposedly) Wright J65 turbojet. The Navy had Above the last Skyhawk, an A-4M for the US Marine Corps. Bumps, bulges and aerials spoil the smooth lines first seen on the XA4D-I prototype seen below on its first flight on June 22, 1954 CE Em*jj&zjmurmL*zz s* aagavMiiiS deae
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