LTV A-7 Corsair II

The LTV A‑7 Corsair II was a single‑engine, carrier‑capable attack aircraft that entered service with the United States Navy in 1967 and later with the Air Force. Designed by Vought after the cancellation of the F‑8 Crusader, the A‑7 was derived from the earlier Vought F‑8 and featured a large, straight‑wing planform that provided excellent low‑speed handling for precision strike missions. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney TF30‑P‑6 turbofan, it delivered reliable thrust while consuming considerably less fuel than contemporary fighters, giving it a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. The aircraft’s most innovative element was its integrated avionics suite: a digital navigation/attack computer, heads‑up display, and a modern inertial navigation system that allowed all‑weather, day‑or‑night bombing with guided munitions. Throughout the Vietnam War, the A‑7 proved highly effective in close‑air support and interdiction, logging more than 60,000 combat sorties. Its simplicity, ruggedness, and low operating cost made it a workhorse for both Navy and Air Force squadrons, influencing later attack platforms such as the F‑16 and the joint strike fighter concepts. The Corsair II remains a celebrated example of Cold‑War era strike aviation.

Vought

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