Douglas A-4M Skyhawk

History

This small and simple tailed delta jet, originally designed as carrier-based (nuclear) bomber, later enjoyed a long career as an extremely versatile attack aircraft. The concept behind the Douglas A-4 was to keep the design simple and the weight as light as possible. The A-4 met both of those qualifications easily. Later developments had a large dorsal spine to make room for electronics. The A-4 was kept in production for 22 years, and is still serving with some air forces. The OA-4 is a two-seat FAC version for the USMC, and the trainer version is known as TA-4. 2960 built.
The importance of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, for the Quonset Air Museum, is the fact that first operational A-4 Squadron was VA-72, stationed at N.A.S. Quonset Point.
While this aircraft was never used operationally in a squadron, the A-4M is historically significant in the fact that it is the first A-4M produced. The aircraft spent it’s entire career as a test and evaluation example to prove the various changes and improvements of the M model and insure compatibility at the squadron level before squadrons became operational with this final new version of the Skyhawk.
The A-4M was discovered in a scrap yard at NAS South Weymouth, Ma, and acquired by the Quonset Air Museum for restoration.

Specifications

Description

Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Corporation
Designation: A-4
Version: M
Nickname: Skyhawk II
Type: Carrier based, Single seat attack bomber
Navy Bureau Number: 158148

Dimensions

Length: 40 ft 3 in
Height: 15 ft 0 in
Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in
Wing area: 260 sq. ft

Weights

Empty Weight: 10,465 lbs.
Gross Weight: 24,499 lbs.
Maximum Weight; 24,500 lbs.

Propulsion

Power plant: Single Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408A
Thrust-lb.: 11,200 lbs.

Performance

Range: 2,000 miles
Cruise Speed: N/A
Max. Speed: 670 mph
Service ceiling: 38,700 ft

Armament

Armament was not provided for the test and evaluation version.

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