The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.
Douglas Aircraft Company designed and produced delta winged, single-engined A-4 Skyhawk. It was originally designated the A4D under the US Navy’s pre-1962 designation system.
The A-4 is a compact ground attack aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds (11,100 kg). Top speed is about 670 mph or 1,080 km/h.
The aircraft can carry a variety of missiles, bombs and other munitions on its five hardpoints.
Skyhawk was capable of delivering nuclear weapons using a low altitude bombing system and a “loft” delivery technique.
Skyhawks played key roles in the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Falklands War.
Fifty years after the aircraft’s first flight, some of the nearly 3,000 produced remain in service with several air arms around the world.
