Douglas
McDonnell Douglas OA-4M Skyhawk
The OA‑4M Skyhawk is a naval‑derived variant of the Douglas A‑4 series, produced by McDonnell Douglas after the 1967 merger of Douglas Aircraft Company with McDonnell Aircraft. First flown in 1954 as the A‑4, the design quickly became the backbone of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps attack squadrons, and the OA‑4M emerged in the early 1970s as a refurbished, single‑seat trainer adapted for carrier‑based operations. The aircraft’s compact, low‑drag airframe measures only 40 feet in length and weighs about 9,300 pounds empty, yet it can carry up to 9,900 pounds of ordnance on eight under‑wing pylons. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J52 turbo‑jet delivering roughly 8,500 lbf of thrust, the Skyhawk is renowned for its nimble handling, short take‑off distance, and ability to operate from the smallest decks. Throughout the Cold War, OA‑4M units saw service in Vietnam, the Gulf War and numerous NATO exercises, proving a reliable platform for close‑air support, strike, and pilot conversion. Its simplicity, low operating cost, and adaptability cemented the Skyhawk’s legacy as one of the most successful light attack jets ever built, influencing trainer and combat designs worldwide.
No images available
Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Douglas
- Nickname
- Skyhawk
- Military Designation
- OA-4M
- Wikidata ID
- Q133935522