Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

The Douglas A‑4E Skyhawk, an evolution of the original A‑4, entered service in 1965 as the United States Navy’s primary light attack aircraft. Developed by Douglas Aircraft Company, the A‑4E incorporated a more powerful Wright R‑1820‑70W radial engine delivering 1,840 hp, a reinforced airframe, and upgraded avionics that included a modernized navigation/weapon‑delivery cockpit, a larger weapons bay, and provisions for a single 20‑mm M61 Vulcan cannon. Its slim 27‑foot wingspan and compact fuselage gave the aircraft exceptional maneuverability and allowed it to operate from the smallest carrier decks, a crucial advantage during the Vietnam War where it delivered close‑air support and conventional strike missions with a payload of up to 5,000 pounds of ordnance. Over 1,200 A‑4Es were built, serving not only the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps but also allied forces in Israel, Argentina, and Australia. The Skyhawk’s low operating cost, reliability, and versatility cemented its reputation as a workhorse of the Cold‑War era, influencing later light attack designs and remaining in limited service well beyond its original retirement, underscoring its lasting impact on naval aviation. Today, restored examples continue to appear at air shows, inspiring new generations of pilots.

Douglas

Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

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Design & Classification